Show Preview: True Widow at Holocene
Texas trio True Widow comes to Portland’s Holocene tonight riding high on the recent release of their fourth LP, Avvolgere. The title, an Italian word, seems like a sly reference to the band’s ultimate goal: It roughly translates as “to wrap up” or “to enshroud.” That characterization should resonate with listeners who have known the band since their 2008 self-titled debut or 2011’s high point, As High as the Highest Heavens and from the Center to the Circumference of the Earth.
On their latest album, True Widow continue to distill their sound into something more straightforward and grim. For those unfamiliar, this sound consists of several key elements, most notably dueling ethereal male and female vocals, that, while complementing each other, simultaneously provide emotional and sonic contrast. Those voices are layered over straightforward, in-the-pocket drums and bass and guitar tones that seem to be drawn from another planet where no light could reach. True Widow is, quite simply, a very good heavy band, and the chance to catch them live is a treat, especially during this gloomy season we’ve entered here in Portland.»
– Aaron Sharpsteen
