Longing
Longing creates a particularly spacious sound from very few instruments. Bell Witch need bass guitar, drums and voices to give their slow songs weight. The space between notes matters as much as the heavier moments. Melodies and different vocal tones gradually change that space as the music develops.
The long opening takes plenty of time to establish its heavy sound. Bass supplies both low weight and melody while drums carefully maintain the slow pace. Deep vocals make the music harsher, but cleaner voices give the development a more personal character. The contrast keeps the extended form moving.
Rows (Of Endless Waves) starts more forcefully. The sound then opens and a fresh build begins, giving the singing increasing emphasis. It saves its greatest impact for later. Melodic voice and instruments strengthen one another when the music becomes broader.
Longing (The River Of Ash) chooses a different balance. Clean singing has a central role, sometimes making it resemble a sombre chant. Bass continues carrying the weight, but changes in intensity give the song a shape beyond a sequence of heavy chords.
Length and slightly muffled production remain limitations. Not every piece immediately distinguishes itself, and some passages could reach their effect in less time. The strength of the shared playing still wins out, however. Bell Witch show how much a recognisable melody can contribute within an extremely slow rhythm. Longing is most convincing when the voices open up the heavy sound and give the music something further to express. It requires patience, but the duo use their limited materials with enough character to earn that attention often.
