A Place to Bury Strangers – Rare and Deadly
About 15 years ago, I experienced this (at the time) illustrious trio with Oliver Ackermann as the only constant since its formation, live. That was loud back then, yes, very loud, and earplugs were absolutely no unnecessary luxury to prevent tinnitus. Otherwise, you would think a week later that you were still listening to A Place to Bury Strangers. A Place to Bury Strangers is not shy of some squealing, hissing and noise. However, credit where credit is due, because they knew how to deliver a magnificent show.
The album Rare and Deadly, which spans the period from 2015 to 2025, offers a contemplative look at the twists in the mind of Oliver Ackermann, as if we were a witness during its creation. An album to immerse yourself in, and no, your speakers are not weakened if you hear a lot of distortion coming from them. Rest assured, it is only Crash you hear. Not a standard compilation, but a collection of demos, B-sides, unfinished experiments and developed fragments. These give the album a sense of early morning dew, where you see some shadows among the low-hanging grey mist over the field, but cannot yet define what it is, while it still sparks your imagination as the day continues to take shape.
In the meantime, the lineup has changed somewhat over the years, and since 2021, the arrival of the married couple John Fadowitz on bass and Sandra Fadowitz on drums has provided an impulse that has put Oliver Ackermann on edge again. John and Sandra themselves had already let their muse flow quite successfully in Ceremony, also known as Ceremony East Coast. With their appreciation for Jesus and the Mary Chain and Joy Division, they have likely brought a fresh inspirational impulse to Oliver Ackermann.
This album is not an easy listen, but a sound in the making, and we as listeners can take part in the thoughts of this loudest band from New York. This gives this compilation an uncommon organic atmosphere, making it well worth experiencing.
For fans of the aforementioned bands, it is certainly worthwhile to experience them live. Do not forget your earplugs, or take a preventive spot at the bar, which in any case will bring about a win-win situation. (8/10) (Dedstrange)
