I love seeing all the fresh takes on this column from new faces. Thanks to Colin for putting his take on mead and metal out there last week; it’s given me the impetus to pick this thing up and try my own hand at The Sacrament once again, my way. And my way this week involves screamo and wine by way of Barabbas, du förtappade’s Discussions on Existentialism and Lost Hog Vineyard’s Rosé.
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The Tunes: Barabbas, du förtappade’s Discussions on Existentialism
Swedish four-piece Barabbas, du förtappade have been quietly building up to the release of their first full-length since 2017, and that full-length, Discussions on Existentialism shows that hard work pay off excellently. Coming off like the midway point between the biting attack and lo-fi veneer of garage punk and noise rock and the emotional frenzy of emoviolence, the tracks here marry dark aggression and soaring melody in a way that is instantly recognizable to veteran listeners yet still fresh and captivating. There is so much happening on these songs that even the tracks with under two-minute run times felt like they had whole, complete emotional arcs to them. There is truly not a dull moment on Discussions, and for a debut full-length that’s impressive. I can’t wait to see what the next step for this band is already.
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The Booze: Lost Hog Vineyard’s Rosé
I’ve covered a lot of wine on this column of late, but I don’t know that I’ve ever done a rosé before. To be honest, I’ve never really thought they were my thing; they’re perfectly drinkable, but I’ve always preferred full-bodied reds to anything else, and rosés have always been a little too mild to get me really into them. Maybe it’s just something in the air tonight, but I’m quite enjoying Lost Hog Vineyard’s take on the style. It’s got the light, tart, citrusy notes of white wine with a subtle richness in the finish that reminds me of some of the better reds I’ve had recently. It doesn’t just dissipate on the palate, it lingers and shifts and actually deepens as it goes. It makes me really want to savor the glass I have, taking my time to see where I can get lost in this wine. I guess that’s good branding then.
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Cheers, and be good to each other,
– Vincent
Nine Circles 