`Chrysanthemum` is the Hungarian pop noire duo Black Nail Cabaret’s sixth album. The chrysanthemum originally derives its name from the Latin version of ancient Greek χρυσάνθεμον that means ‘gold flower’. Its humble white form is also known as the cemetery flower as it is often used to adorn graves for its longevity. i read that the duo have an inclination for sexually explicit provocation, a primal, subconscious fear of death that triggers emotions, anxiety, and the fear of letting go, a thread running more or less through the album.
The album begins with `My Home Is Empty` a fairly dystopian piece where an unspecified entity is trying to gain entrance but rather than being threatened the homeowner allows them in where they live alone. The number may well be a metaphor for a relationship where the balance is tipped. We enjoy a faster pace with `Autogenic` which may well refer to an association where one finds it almost dull, repetitive, and wearying.
`Totem and Taboo` is a reflective mid paced number which becomes pretty introspective and questioning as it evolves with a hypnotic pulsing heartbeat. I thought `Never Enough` was a delightfully enticing listen, a kind of search for something that currently is far from sufficient.
`Neurons` has an edgy, anxious restless feel which seems to be mirrored in the accompanying impatient soundscape. The ballad like `1mg` has an uneasy feel as if the narrator is the perpetrator or enabler in a coercive possibly unhealthy affiliation or maybe it`s a metaphor for something entirely different.
`Darkness Is a Friend` is delightfully bass led with some inviting vocal inflections and a section that is almost rapped. The title `Godspeed` is an expression of good wishes to a person starting a journey and here it`s an intense tale of searching for something, possibly life affirming.
`Roadtrip` is a fairly mesmerising composition which really draws you into its layers, a voyage or pilgrimage perchance. There was a sultry, sensual come provocative EDM texture to `Teach Me How to Techno` which encouraged or inspired one to let loose and dance.
`The Faceless Boy` is a thoughtful and meditative number to close out on. The title may be a comparison to somebody who seems empty or soulless, who knows, but an interesting submission to end on.
`Chrysanthemum` was my introduction to the delights of Black Nail Cabaret who comprise of Emese Árvai-Illés (vocals) and Krisztián Árvai (keyboards, programming) and there was much pleasure to appreciate here.
Black Nail Cabaret, for me, shared some delightful and enticing mystical Magyar magic, let them charm you.
Rating 8.5/10
