Silentium Amoris album review

by Daniel Th1rte3n

The newest release from William Control derives its title, Silentium Amoris, from the poem of the same name penned by Oscar Wilde. It is fitting that William has referenced Wilde, as the album can be interpreted as a concept piece, dealing with Wilde’s tragic love affair with Lord Alfred Douglas, and subsequently as the tracks unfold, parallels can be drawn to William’s love affair with creating music, and all the strife that accompanies the life of an artist.

The album begins with the track Achtung, a reading from the works of the Marquis de Sade that sets the tone of the album precisely; we must bring our attention to what we perceive as virtue or vice, and through careful examination of both can we find our true selves. As taken as part of the overreaching tale of Wilde’s story, the piece seems to be a mirror held up to the rigid Victorian society; a society that viewed homosexuality as a crime (of which Wilde was found guilty, leading to his incarceration for two years under hard labor), to face their prejudices and antiquated mores.

 “We Are Lovers”, details a journey from England to France, much like the Exodus made by Wilde after being released from prison. The piece starts somber and nihilistic; perhaps as a reference to the doomed love shared between the author and Lord Douglas (the aristocrat all but abandoned the author after the affair was revealed). The chorus describes the addictiveness and destructiveness of love, which may also be in reference to William’s love of creating art, no matter the personal (or even financial) toll. The second verse tells of a further journey into Europe, and describes dire conditions perhaps as if the continent continues to suffer for the injustices that have been visited upon the undeserving.

As the album continues to progress the dual theme continues to become stronger, as “Kiss Me Judas” and “I am Your Jesus” enforce the pain that an obsessive love can inflict, and how love (and art) can become a kind of neo-religion (much like the beliefs of Aestheticism, who’s members, Wilde included, held art supreme) albeit based on one’s own creative talent rather than antiquated ideals.

The Velvet Warms and Binds could at first be seen as tribute to sadomasochism (a subject often visited in William Control’s work), but upon further listening it seems to become a testament to how creativity can abuse the creator. The sweet, uphoric feeling of having created art can in turn become a prison, as more art needs to be created no matter the cost (financial or mental). “Letters to the Other Side” further explores this concept of creation as addiction, although this piece appears to be more auto-biographical.

  “Come Die With Me” as viewed within the framework of Wilde’s story appears to be the author’s trying to reconcile his two passions, Lord Douglas and writing. The listener is never sure which of the two will take the full measure of the author’s heart, and that is what makes the piece so compelling to the listener.

 “Atmosphere” is an excellent cover of the Joy Division classic, and as it fits into this work could serve as Wilde’s pleas to Lord Douglas to not abandon him when he needed him most.

 “Omnia Vincit Amor” translates to “Love Conquers All”, and along with its companion piece “Romance and Devotion” (available for preview here:  http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/william_control_aiden_streams_new_song_romance_devotion) explore how love demands absolute obedience to its capriciousness. It matters naught if the love is for a person or an artistic ideal, in the end we become as to slaves to its inexorable draw and power.

“True Love Will Find You in the End” is another exquisite cover from William, this time of a Daniel Johnston song. The song seems to be the crying out of a lover abandoned on his deathbed. Apropos for Wilde indeed, as he died alone and destitute in Paris; his aristocratic lover long since removed from his existence.

 “Failure of all Mankind” seems to the listener to be about the remaining legacy of Wilde’s creativity left to be discovered by new generations, long after his body has faded from the world, a world that at first loved and worshipped the man, then left him to rot after society found him to be something they found distasteful. Alas the same can be said of many artists and creators, past and present, and the cycle will continue into infinity. Creators become unto gods, gods which are then revealed to be all too mortal in the end, abandoned by their disciples and left to bleed upon the altar of society.

The album ends, fittingly enough, with a reading of Wilde’s poem. William always gives such readings respect and gravitas, and this track is no exception. (If you enjoy this track, I strongly urge you to purchase William’s readings of selections from Poe’s immortal works available here: http://williamcontrol.bigcartel.com/product/edgar-allan-poe-read-by-william-control)

 I strongly urge you to pick up “Silentium Amoris” when it is released on April 2nd. The album can be purchased here: http://williamcontrol.bigcartel.com/. Also beginning April 5th, William will be playing live on the Fight to Unite Tour, details of which can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/thefighttounitetour

Obscure Pleasures Private Peep Show single review

By Daniel Th1rte3n (Formally Indrid 13)

One of the aspects of writing for The Cathode Ray that I enjoy is being able to discover and explore new musical endeavors that may not be familiar to our readers, and in turn allow said readers to enjoy these artists for themselves. Such a group of artists is Birmingham England’s Obscure Pleasures, whom indulge the listener in dark panoramas of electronic sensuality.

Obscure Pleasures are on the verge of releasing their new single Private Peep Show, and it is a fascinating microcosm of libertine sexuality set to an irresistible beat evocative of the decadent 1980’s (as well as the 1780s).

The track begins with a short interlude of ambient sound, that evokes a sense of entering a new world, a world a bit darker than that which we may be accustomed. As the song proper starts, it takes on a tone that brings to mind not only Bauhaus, but also the soundtrack work of John Carpenter, while still remaining fiercely unique.

The vocals, both warm and raw, offer a dichotomy (especially in contrast to the electronic soundscape) that perfectly suits the songs overall theme: that of pleasure and pain being inexorably linked. The Marquis de Sade once remarked; “It is always by way of pain one arrives at pleasure”, and this track could stand as testament to that aesthetic. The lyrics make beautiful poetry out of a subject that to some may not be suitable to their palette, and yet in turn the listener is compelled to listen regardless of where you derive your source of pleasure from.

As the piece progresses, it once again reinforces its dual nature, as the electronic gives way to strings (which in turn elicit a sense of 1780’s libertine leanings, mixed firmly with 1980’s glamour and debauchery).

As the track comes to end we are offered a somber piano litany as the lyric “All I want is you to suffer, all you need from me is pain” echoes with both malice and tenderness. And therein we find the challenge to ourselves. Where do these lines blur within us, and how do we chose to express it?

To learn more of Obscure Pleasures, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/obscurepleasures

Private Peep Show will be available for digital download on 1/30/2012

If you live in the London or Manchester area, catch Obscure Pleasures on tour with William Control on February 6th and 7th!

The Control Project.

How many times have you wished that you could be a part of a piece of work from one of your favorite artists? Well, if you are a fan of Aiden and William Control, you can! William Francis has recently gone completely independent of any music label, and is asking his fans to help him bring his new William Control music to life via The Control Project. There are many different packages to choose from, and each offers something unique in exchange for your donation (the ultimate being a personal acoustic William Control show!) Head here and watch the video for details: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WGgb8lMVeOM

Review: Novus Ordo Seclorum

By indrid13


William Francis has never been afraid to expose his listeners to new perspectives on universal subjects such as love (and its close relationship with pain), theological hypocrisy, and art’s role as a belief system (not unlike the 19th century English movement of Aestheticism, which counted Oscar Wilde amongst its members). On “Novus Ordo Seclorum”, the latest William Control release, Francis has taken these themes to exciting new places, once again holding a mirror to a vain and narcissistic society to reveal the decay that festers just below the surface.

The album begins with “New World Order”, a rough translation of the Latin phrase that comprises the EP’s title. This track is a call to arms for the listener to change their perspective on the world. Society isn’t working the way as intended; people are led astray (and in turn made to suffer) by leaders whose only beliefs are in currency and antiquated ideals. In this track, it is mentioned a poet should be called upon to reshape society, which brings to mind the philosophies of Aestheticism mentioned above. The tempo is kept fast for most of the piece, and William’s voice is rich and full against the keyboards, once again providing an excellent series of contrasts that I feel is the hallmark of his sound. The almost chanting backing vocals offer the perfect complement to the subject matter, as they underscore William’s words of a new faith based on creativity.

Next is “Disconnecting”. This piece is almost Shakespearean in its themes of a love betrayed. References to ancient Rome are given, perhaps as a nod to Pablius Virgil, the Roman poet who’s fourth Eclogue contains the phrase “Novus Ordo Seclorum”. Although keyboards are featured prominently, this particular song is less electronica influenced then the others appearing on the album. William presents the lyrics in a crooning fashion that truly conveys the heartbreak felt by the song’s subject.

“Love Is Worth Dying For” explores the relationship between pain and love, a continuing theme in William’s work (such as “Strangers” from Hate Culture). While the subject matter is dark, and may not be every listener’s cup of tea, the points William makes are valid (whether or not Francis means them metaphorically or not is open to interpretation), and like all good art, it challenges the audience.

“1963” (note this track is only available on the physical CD of “Novus Ordo Seclorum “) is a New Order cover that is right at home on this release as it contrasts a love gone horribly wrong juxtaposed with ultra-listenable (some may even say happy sounding)hooks. William always provides excellent versions of others material (for example his gorgeous rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” from Noir), and this is no exception.

“Perfect Servant” deals with the darker side of pleasure, not unlike “Love is Worth Dying For”, but on this piece the style is reminiscent of 80’s era synthpop (a style that may be unfamiliar to some of today’s listeners). While bondage may not be understood by all, the love and pain antecedents are brought to the fore here, which links it thematically with many past pieces from the William Control catalog (such as My Lady Dominate from the noir album). As one who immensely enjoys 80’s electronica, I found this track a welcome and refreshing take on a classic style.

Finally comes “The Optimist Within Me”. This track seems to represent William’s farewell to the ways of old. His hatred of the decayed society manifests itself in his witnessing its demise, uncaring and unremorseful. And while unsure of what the new ways will bring, anything has to be better than what came before. William makes a bold choice to end the album with a dark and melancholy track, as most would have left the listener with an upbeat representation of what is to come. It is with this unexpected, unflinching honesty that William makes his mark. There is always hope, always joy and love, but are we willing to explore the road less travelled to arrive at a better place?

William Control’s “Novus Ordo Seclorum’ can be purchased here: http://williamcontrol.bigcartel.com/, and it is highly recommended that you do!

A New Order of the Ages: A conversation with William Francis

By indrid13

When I spoke to William Francis earlier this year, his band Aiden had just released their album “Disguises” (http://www.amazon.com/Disguises-Aiden/dp/B004LE11AE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320327045&sr=8-1). Since that time, William and Aiden have released a follow up CD entitled “Some Kind of Hate” (http://www.amazon.com/Some-Kind-Hate-Aiden/dp/B005J3VB9C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1320327301&sr=8-3), as well as announcing a new collection of writing entitled “Prose and Poems”, a follow up to 2009’s “Flowers and Filth” collection, and a new EP from William Control (Francis’ dark electronic solo work) entitled “Novus Ordo Seclorum”. Now, William has once again taken time out from his hectic schedule to chat with me about his art.

November 29th sees the simultaneous release of your new book, "Prose and Poems", as well as your new EP "Novus Ordo Seclorum" (You can pre-order both right here: http://williamcontrol.bigcartel.com/). I would like to speak about each work individually. Let's start with "Prose and Poems". What is your process like for composing poetry, and does it differ from the process you employ when writing lyrics?

William: Yes the process is completely different. With song writing I am usually trying to fit the narrative inside of a melody and have to change the words around for it to fit. Poetry is a little more strange. Although I write it with music in my head, I don't necessarily have to fit the pieces together like a puzzle. It's a lot more free, if that makes any sense at all.


Will "Prose and Poems" primarily feature newer writings, or does it encompass various periods of your writing?

William: Yes, it's some of the stuff I have written since “Flowers and Filth” came out. There is never a time when I stop writing. I have an unhealthy fear of becoming a leper or losing my fingers in a lawn mowing accident or some calamity where I lose my ability to get this stuff out of my head.

Do you prefer one form of writing above another?

William: Are they really all that different? No I don't think I do. One appeals to my inner demons and the other appeals to my outer. I have so many different versions of myself inside my skull its frightening. Sometimes they get drunk and fight one another and I feel a panic attack coming on. Here comes the panic. So I write to quell the voices, I write to soothe the nerves. I write because without it, I'm inside of a padded room drugged out on chlorpromazine and lithium, wondering what year it is.

Moving on Novus Ordo Seclorum, how did you decide upon this quote from Virgil's fourth Eclogue, and how does it relate to both the contents of the CD as well as your current view of the music industry?

William: Translated it means "A New Order of the Ages", which is exactly what we are seeing happen throughout the world. With the Arab springs in the middle east, the protests here in America, the war on women, and a cascade of other grievances we all have within our hearts. There's one song on the new EP in particular that relates to these atrocities and how, we, as a species need a new world order, how we all need a new kind of faith and something to believe in.

Would you be willing to describe some of the new songs found on the CD?

William: I'd rather it be more of a surprise and left to the imagination. I will say that there is Sex, Violence, Love and a yearning for change that we all desire.

Do the book and the CD work together to present a complete piece spread over two distinct mediums, or are they separate in their overall theme?

William: They are as separate as one could make them. Like I said, they are a collection of writings over the past year and a half or so that encompasses a lot of different things I have felt in that time. It would be quite a difficult task keeping something like this a cohesive endeavor.

One of the elements that I find fascinating about your art is your delicate and skillful balance of diametrically opposed elements. Modern lyric writing and Victorian aesthetics, true love and the profane, electronic instrumentation and the richness of your voice...all play off from one another to create a dynamic whole. As I am fascinated in an artist’s process, would you describe how you strike such balances in your art and how much importance do these dynamics play when you are creating?

William: Well first I must thank you for such gracious remarks. As far as balance goes? I am not formally trained in anything, music or otherwise. I have no knowledge of how to write or piece music together the right way. I grew up learning to play guitar to Misfits, Violent Femmes and Nirvana records. There really isn't that much thought that goes into it really. I have a recording studio that allows me the luxury of experimentation and delivery. I have a few synthesizers a drum machine and a plethora of guitars and amps. I write until I think it sounds good. It's really quite un interesting. My apologies.

On the subject of opposing elements, I adore when you mix acoustic elements into the electronic soundscapes of the William Control releases. Your rendition of "Can't Help Falling in Love" is stunning, and "Soliloquy" is haunting. Have you ever entertained the notion of releasing an acoustic album?

William: I have entertained that idea quite heavily yes. I will most likely do that sometime here in the near future.

Moving on to unexpected audio releases, last year you released a series of readings of work by Edgar Allan Poe. Are there any plans to continue your readings, and if so what titles or authors would you like to interpret next?

William: Yes, yes, yes! I loved doing that. I had such a great time. It is really quite difficult though and takes a lot more time than you would imagine. I'm sure that I'll get back into it. I have spent the last few months building a new recording studio and have been so busy recording the Aiden and WC records that there hasn't been a lot of time for the readings. I would like to do some works by other authors. You'll just have to wait and see.

Do you have a final message for our readers?

William: Get ready for a new adventure.