The Black Heart Procession, here come
      the waterworks

      
By Cristina Carney
   Argonaut Staff

      

      
Releasing their third album, aptly titled
      "3," the Black Heart Procession continue in their trademarked
      vein of dark melodic rock.

      


      In San Diego in 1997 Tobias and Paul, former members of Three
      Mile Pilot, began to write and play as a two piece. 

      


      The drums and horn accompaniments come from Mario Rubalcaba and
      Rocket from the Crypt drummer Jason Crane. The Black Heart Procession
      are masters of building up a full stage of downer rock noise
      before the vocals even start in most songs. Wurlitzer organs
      are responsible for dark minor chords in many of the extended
      song introductions, followed by the piano in continuation of
      anticipation. 

      


      These base contributions set the melancholy mood for most of
      the album, providing an almost gothic quality to the already
      crushing lyrics. Methodically placed sound effects find their
      place at the endings of songs as well as minimally enhancing
      the song text itself. 

      


      Alongside the music, occasional percussive beats transport listeners
      onto the dank floorboards of a ship with rats. 

      


      Through lyrics warning of peril ahead, The Black Heart Procession
      conjures up nautical loss and heartbreak with mere whisperings
      of stories. Vocals tend to be on the folk side very similar to
      what a full-bodied member of the Palace Brothers would sound
      like without the self-pity.  

      


      Eerie supporting vocals provided by Kazu from Blonde Redhead
      add to the creepy closure of this album. The ten tales of "3"
      spun of tragic pasts and lonely presents will break your heart
      slowly, it's guaranteed. 

      


      This album stands out for more than theme, mood and tone.

      


      The breathtaking stark orchestral quality of the music, as well
      as its recording, provide the substance of The Black Heart Procession.
      They are not clumsy indie rockers as shown by their meticulous,
      yet spare, instrumentation.  

      


      As mentioned above, their work consists of mainly piano, organ,
      a Moog synthesizer, guitars, random sound effects and percussion.
      

      


      They are atypical of a majority of today's new independent music
      because of their dedication to the consistency of their music,
      parallel to their own growth in sound and talent. 

      


      Their first album may not be radically different from their second
      or third, but each album is an expression of solemn commitment
      to the listener. 

      


       When it comes down to it, their chord progressions may be mildly
      repetitive, but it is in this beauty of melancholy predictability
      that each listener is allowed the opportunity to absorb both
      the music and the vocals.

      


      Without one you usually forget the other but here on "3,"
      they are interlocked and unchanging.  

      As on "2," their 1999 release, this third installment
      is 45 minutes and released on Touch 'n' Go Records in Chicago.
      

      


      Main members and songwriters Tobias Nathaniel and Paul A. Jenkins
      still reside in San Diego.  

      They are currently on an American tour with Man or Astroman?
      in Seattle at the Graceland.
 

      
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