What We Are, You Shall Be by Passarella Death Squad

Passarella Death Squad returns to their eponymous label with the long-awaited sophomore album What We Are, You Shall Be. It features ten tracks of austere, beautifully-crafted electronica that commands and rewards close attention.

PHOTO BY SIMON HARRIS

Danny Passarella and Emilie Albisser have been at the forefront of the electronic underground for more than 15 years. Their eclectic output takes in haunting tunes, sweeping soundscapes, and plenty of high-impact cuts. They have collaborated with the likes of Perc, had their epic "Just Like Sleep" featured prominently in the soundtrack of the BAFTA-winning video game "Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice" and got support from tastemakers like Optimo, Daniel Avery, and Norman Nodge.

They are also known as cult and provocative clothing designers and social activists with their "RA!SE" publication working to shine a light on global human rights issues. It's been 13 years since their self-titled debut LP gave the world a comprehensive look at their musical vision; now they are back with a follow-up that is sure to put them front and center once again.

The superb album opener "In Heaven" is a pounding harbinger of what will come with its controlled, beautiful vocal fusing roboticism and myth-laden imagery. "Creatures" picks up the pace with Emilie's whispered French lyrics echoing across the low thrum of the dagger-stab beat. The enigmatic "Just Like Sleep" is an otherworldly lament with its melancholic synths and chords before "Solaris" brings rays of light and a subtle sense of hope.

There's ambient beauty to the mellifluous chords of "When They Die" with its soft flutter of notes and a ghostly call ringing out over swarming synths before the pummelling beat of "No Mas" kicks in. There is a gothic feel to the dark beats and vocals here that will get dance floors locked in and marching.

The title track's dark-angel calls of "do not fear God" and "death is present" are paired with icy chords for a spine-tingling atmosphere over a rolling rhythm. Next up, "Empire" employs a shivering, understated opening as chords waver beneath a wraith-like vocal. Low, stripped-back drums define "From Dust to Deity" as the piano melody mirrors the groove to make for something perfectly moody and hypnotic before "For Love" is a suitably poignant ending to this expansive album.

The album What We Are, You Shall Be is a bold, adventurous, accomplished new record from this talented duo.

Passarella Death Squad - What We Are, You Shall Be (LP)
Release Date 21st April 2023
Label Passarella Records

Tracklist
1. In Heaven
2. Creatures
3. Just Like Sleep
4. Solaris
5. When They Die
6. No Mas
7. What We Are, You Shall Be
8. Empire
9. From Dust to Deity
10. For Love