An outgrowth from the Gothic underground, the microgenre sometimes called etherealwave (Heavenly Voices and dreampop are also used interchangably) has a timeless quality. Built of layers of textural, effects-laden guitar and intricately woven, almost operatic vocals, the music has an otherworldly quality that’s addictive as it is unearthly. AGS has been perfecting their craft for over 20 years, and while the new ‘Cease to Exist’ doesn’t stray too far from the formula, it shows how they’ve refined their work. Erin Welton’s sweet soprano is as distinctive as the singers she’s been compared to—-imagine a cross between the late Julee Cruse and Elizabeth Fraser—but Welton has her own serene style. The music, written and performed by Scott Ferrell, is as catchy as it is atmospheric. It’s like Brill Building, “sun-shine” pop structures were produced by Brian Eno, with driving rhythms in counterpoint to the exotic guitar sorcery.
“Cease to Exist” lyrical clues hint at heavier subjects. The song “Seekers Keep the Light” suggests a romantic clash, while “A World Outside” captures the feeling of COVID-era solitude, and the title track is as bleak as any in their oeuvre. A sheen of brightness comes from the songs “Fallen Rain” and “In Silence” to offset the gloom.
Craig Laurance Gidney 
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