CerberusShoal have a long history of interesting musical choices, and theirlatest split-EP series is no exception. Available in limited editioncopies with varied types of original artwork on different media, theseries features the Shoal working with artists they know personallyand/or greatly respect with no set format. There are no pre-arrangedrules, only that both collaborators agree to a loose theme of somesort, or a method to the madness. In the case of this initial offeringin the series, the Düne and the Shoal each recorded original songs withlittle vinettes in between. The songs are acoustic instrument-based,and are all about love or personal relationships in various forms. Itsounds almost like a combination doomed for failure, but the endproduct will surprise fans of both bands. Herman Düne's material issimple and quick with pleasing melodies and energy, with themes thatstart light and energetic and end dark and labored. "I Want a Woman"features a brilliant spoken-word interlude about a planned date, andlamented harmony vocals about the plight of the lonely man. "If SomeoneLoves You" is musically playful, but the theme is a little more urgentand depressed with its chorus: "If someone loves you, it sure is notme." They definitely prepare you for the tone of Cerberus Shoal on"That Woman is a Murderess," where sparse violin and percussion meetwith the haunting vocal of David-Ivar Herman Düne. A strange vinettefollows, and the Shoal saunter in with "Sweetie," far from the purelyloving song that its title might suggest. Middle Easterninstrumentation and rhythms meet with a grand choral vocal performance.It's spine-tingling, and when the lyrics do eventually reveal theirquiet horror, it's no real surprise, but it still raises hairs. Theirother proper song, "Bouzouki," has the same general vocal performance,with a greater concentration on harmony, and the pace of "Hava Nagila."You can see, especially at the end, how both bands incorporatedelements of the other, making sounds that stir and slide as well asthey jab and jump. Collaborations like this are rare, and I certainlyhope these groups find time to work together proper in a studio. I canhardly wait to hear what they'd conjure up then.- Herman Düne - I Want a Woman
- Herman Düne - That Woman is a Murderess
- Cerberus Shoal - Sweetie
- Cerberus Shoal - Bouzouki
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