SOUNDS OF GRIEVING
Fleshwater
The Big Issue Australia
Issue #7042 February 2024
By Olivia J. Bennett
Fleshwater's debut We’re Not Here To Be Loved (2022) captivated fans with its emotive blend of shoegaze and post-hardcore. Their sophomore effort, Sounds of Grieving, builds on this, interweaving heavy, visceral life experiences with breathy, ethereal vocals that resonate with their namesake. Alongside original compositions, the album includes acoustic covers and electronic mixes of tracks from their debut, showcasing their ability to reinterpret and evolve their sound. The album transcends its initial genre fusion, exploring its roots with robust drums, bass guitar, and electronic beats. The second track sets a powerful tone, featuring Anthony DiDio’s haunting lines against a striking drum and bass backdrop: ‘Break your arms around me like I passed away,’ he wails, ‘And I’d hold on, but my guts twist up when I hear you say / “I love you.”’ Tracks like 'Save these Memories' meld vaporwave vocals with neo-jazz piano, while the title track propels forward with techno rhythms and industrial flourishes. The lyrics throughout Sounds of Grieving weave a narrative of emotional turbulence and apathetic nostalgia, delving into love and loss. This collection of tracks forms a masterful blend, a creative alchemy written in the shadow of impending disaster, marking a significant evolution for Fleshwater.