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It also explores themes such as apocalypse, self-knowledge, being transgender, dissociation, climate change, and social connection. With noisy, experimental grindy industrial production, anxiety-ridden lyrical bursts of desperation, and a clear focus on melodic, accesible songwriting, Peaceful as Hell is an interesting, relateable, and dare I say, fun look into the mind of a manic duo of musicians. I'm not going to say that this is horrendous or anything because it's not. It's problem stems from the fact that it is basically just corporate pop but a tiny bit more immersive. There is really nothing you can get from this if you are an avid music fan.
It was preceded by the lead single of the album "Creep U" which was released on April 7. The album was the duo's last album before their announced disbandment in May 2020 due to harassment of the band following their unexpected success on platforms such as TikTok. Despite this, they released a follow-up record, Forever in Your Heart, the following year. I will say that some of my favorites are DAMAGE SUPPRESSOR , MiRRORGiRL (a Thank You-esque blast of unfiltered synth punk), BLISS AND STUPIDITY , SHARP HALO (one of the only songs that's ever actually scared me at all), and CREEP U . (namedrops!) it would've been pretty easy for Peaceful as Hell's structure to get out of hand and for it to collapse in on itself a bit or at least fall somewhat flat, especially with how distinct so many of its songs are, but in the end it really does work beautifully.
Albums
The half as long "Mirrorgirl" is much more abrasive and piercing as well as engaging. The soundscape of this track is very dense and packed with a cornucopia of sounds similar to that of a Death Grips track. I really love how short, sweet, and crazy it is. "Maybe This World Is Another Planets Hell?" is the polar opposite of what came before, being one of the quietest and sparsest songs yet. Unlike "Bliss and Stupidity," this song utilizes the space in between sounds really well. It's less claustrophobic and works really well as a breather track.
Seems they released it on their bandcamp alongside the album but it doesn't seem to be available anymore but the album itself is. She has been a member of several side-projects over the years, including "The Various Endeavors?", where she was listed as an official member of the band. She produced/co-produced most of the band's music from 2007 to 2010 and is seen pictured/depicted in promotional artwork on their bandcamp page. In August 2021, Black Dresses' music returned to streaming services. In December 2021, Black Dresses appeared on the holiday compilation album Christmasasaurus X2 with their version of the song "We Are Children of the Light" by Eugene O'Reilley.
Trending Tracks
"Creep U," the final, fully fleshed out song is truly the crowning achievement on this record. It's the poppiest song and deserves the earworm award. The duo really pull out all the stops on this song, incorporating a growling bassline and acoustic drums even.
The manic chaotic sections of the record beautifully juxtapose to the softer, more genuine sections of the record. The record is remarkably creative, and the chemistry between Ada and Devi is wonderful. Overall, this album is filled with anthemic tracks that stand out in their own different ways.
Peaceful as Hell Tracklist
McCallion and Rook also released solo music under the names Girls Rituals and Ada Rook respectively. I imagine that the way I feel about this album is how people that don't get 100 gecs feel about them. The production is cool, but too many of these songs are mixed bags. They have cool moments, but they also have moments that are super grating to me. The only songs that I wholly love are "Angel Hair", "Please Be Nice", and "Creep U". Essentially an industrialized version of hyperpop, Peaceful as Hell is aggressive and lively yet surprisingly charming.
Additionally, the vocals when they aren't processed are an acquired taste, which I have mostly acquired but perhaps not across a 45 minute album. The Canadian noise-pop duo’s music conjures a psychotic slumber party, or a Second Life rave, but remains grounded in the bittersweet beauty of lifelong friendship. "Peaceful As Hell" is Black Dresses' final project and is a fun and aggressive mix of glitch pop and industrial rock. But it's so fucking irritating to listen to. One day, I could love it, the next I'll hate it. In addition to all this instrumental madness, it is also worth noting the magnificent texts, which, despite their simplicity, do the lion’s share of the work on the formation of the release as such.
Ada Rook
Initially i thought this was mostly because of how strongly and specifically their music spoke to the trans experience, again in ways that can be hard to put into words. There's a slapdash earnestness to most of their music, cheap-sounding electronics clashing against rough singing and ultra-noisy production, which acts as a pretty easy parallel to the trans experience, or more specifically the way that it can often feel like you're simply a rough approximation of your true self. It's not like all music by trans people is punky and angsty like this. Well, in my experience the pain that comes with dysphoria and societal pressure can often exacerbate the pain that's already there, right?
These things do not work separately, they only work together. It was with great pleasure that I listened to the duo’s compositions about the fear of society, self-doubt, hell on earth, the desire to just like people, human hardships, their own shortcomings. And it’s not just about topics, it’s about how it’s presented. Needs to review the security of your connection before proceeding.
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