Serpentine Gallery, the full-length debut of well-known/now-defunct trio Switchblade Symphony [noteworthy vocalist Tina Root, Susan Wallace on vocals/synths/programming, Robin Jacobs on guitars, drum programming] on Cleopatra Records, isn't as lethargic or sickeningly pretentious as most other goth I've heard. Admirably bewitching female vocals and atmospheric-but-not-overdone music mated to produce several songs that are *gasp* actually listenable!

Bad Trash -- a well-chosen opener, with catchy melodies, vacant wails and infectious rhythm. Most of the lyrics are decent, but the line "the wind shall blow bad trash away when anguish is near" just makes me cringe at the ultra-goth-ness of it.
Somebody please polish the stars, for their skin is dull
Somebody please awaken the sun and never let it fall

Dissolve - my favorite track, overall. Its rhythm and Jacobs' guitar arpeggios actually seem to bear a muted Spanish influence. The lyrics, wisely kept simple, are potent. Emotionally, it seems more genuine than usual; the vocals' characteristic loneliness is completely effective. A siren's distress call:
Can you see me going down?
I am screaming out loud
And the fear of God is in me now
Dissolve

"Wallflower", on fleeing mortal bonds, is cleverly arranged.
Waking so sweetly
The earth she has outgrown
For she's been waiting to bloom

"Wrecking Yard" weakly attempts social commentary; it's hampered by its self-indulgence. Exclusively, it's a bit too slow for my tastes, but it's decent background music for doing something else.
Gather 'round to hear this tale
A story which has grown old - indeed.

"Clown" accuses an immature lover, perhaps. Heavy and brooding, with eerie guitar accents, this is my favorite track, instrumentally. It's actually intimidating, and the vocals definitely enhance the feeling.
Down you're going.. down you're going.. dooooowwnn..

"Cocoon" touches on a truly goff topic..
She is flying, soaring through the air up there
My butterfly
The semi-operatic vocals are impressive but slightly ridiculous in context. The music hints of a baroque-ish waltz; you can almost see the powdered wigs and ball gowns. It drags a bit, and seems more like an interlude than a song, which bothers me.

Dollhouse - pure delectation; it's one of the most consistent tracks. It builds a thick mood, has a great beat, and interesting use of bell sounds. The vocals are simply perfect.
People climbing up the walls
Breaking all of my wretched dolls
Fingernails, they scratch outside
In the attic is where I'll hide
I won't let them in

"Sweet" begins like a "Wrecking Yard, Take 2" deal, with similar vices. It improves towards the end, though, actually making the listener empathetic with use of seemingly disgusted vocals..
They panic so, just hold them down
I could live like this
I'm closing in all around...
Hearing them in my head
How can they be so sweet?

In "Gutter Glitter", the goffs take a risk and blaspheme one of your favorite nursery rhymes.
London Bridge did fall down
My fair lady nearly drowned
What is the reason to lock her up
When already she's had such rotten luck?
The introductory vocals are intriguingly rhythmic, but the music is more repetitive than average. It's still a fun song, though.

"Mine Eyes" raises questions in layers of ethereal vocals and whining electronic noise. The lyrics, for a change, are excellent. An exquisite piece.
I only want to hear the angels sing
Are they crying on the edge of mine eyes?
Perhaps they are.

Bloody Knuckles - a contemplative instrumental track.


My main peeve is that the music and vocals are usually a lot better than the lyrics, and I like my listening material to be equally good in all respects. More often than not, they got it right, though.

Serpentine Gallery seems to have universal appeal for people who like "dark" sounds. It's a safe choice if you're just getting into this kind of music, or know someone who is. Heck, give it to your 13-year-old Limp-Bizkit-fan cousin who's looking to broaden his/her horizons. All in all, it's a good album, and it's unfortunate that the Symphony's work went downhill from here.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Going to Sleep