Dark, seductive sounds from Tropic of Cancer for her debut full length on Blackest Ever Black. I've been following Tropic Of Cancer since it was the duo of Juan Mendez (aka Silent Servant) and Carmella Lobo (seeking out the first 12" on Blackest before prices shot up). Now after a few well-received singles and EPs, Tropic of Cancer has become the solo project of Lobo who takes the sound in a new direction on Restless Idylls. The rough edges of the earlier pieces are now replaced with bleak yet elegant atmosphere, the perfect thing for cold winter nights. Check the opener "Plant Lillies At My Head" for a taste, then listen to "Court Of Devotion," "More Alone," "The Seasons Won't Change," and "Hardest Day" for a dose of beautifully grim post-punk. Double vinyl with gatefold sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: Blackest Ever Black 2013

reviewed by TKB 11/2013