Rating: NNNN
There’s nothing like a bout of depression to get the creative juices flowing. That’s what happened to Raymond Raposa, the brains behind San Diego indie folk outfit the Castanets. The singer/songwriter was battling the disease for about a year when he was robbed at gunpoint, throwing him further into depression’s depths. Thankfully, he was able to finish the Castanets’ third disc, and the result is, as you might expect, a dark, haunting record that’s nothing short of captivating.
Like the band’s previous efforts, In The Vines is a spare collection of guitars, vocals, light drums and hints of electronica. That alone will make it a tough listen for some. It’s not something you can put on at a party or even share with a friend. This is a very isolating record that delves into the singer’s emotions. Luckily, it’s still fairly catchy, so don’t be alarmed if you find yourself singing along.
The Castanets play the Whippersnapper Gallery on November 3