Candy Claws
Ceres & Calypso in the Deep Time

Fairytale atmospheres, tropical sensations, and enveloping harmonies... These and many other things can be found on "Ceres & Calypso in the Deep Time," an album by the American shoegaze band Candy Claws released in 2013.

Just as the cover and title might suggest, "Ceres & Calypso" is a concept album narrating the adventures of a little girl (Calypso) with her white seal (Ceres), who are catapulted back in time to the Mesozoic era. Among strange creatures, unexplored forests, and bridges made from fallen trees as the main themes in the lyrics, the overall mood that arises from Candy Claws' musical proposal is, one way or another, playful.

The work is divided into twelve tracks grouped into three sections, representing respectively the major periods of the Mesozoic era: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. A peculiar aspect of each track is having a double title, which allows the listener to immerse themselves more accurately in the natural scenarios depicted on "Ceres & Calypso."

The adventure begins with "Into the Deep Time (One Sun)," from which one can immediately notice the main stylistic influence of Candy Claws. I'm obviously talking about My Bloody Valentine... My Bloody Valentine, yet a bit unusual - grappling with a lush world untouched by humans. The predominantly shoegaze style characteristic of Candy Claws is, however, influenced by many diverse influences, as seen in various tracks. For example, there are references to the hypnotic gothic rock of Lycia, clearly noticed on "Fell in Love (At the Water)," or to the surfing psychedelia of the Beach Boys, as felt on "Pangaea Girls (Magic Feeling)." Particularly notable are also "Transitional Bird (Clever Girl)," imbued with a rather nostalgic aftertaste, the mysterious "Charade (Fern Prairie)," and "Night Ela (Mystic Thing)," containing trip hop style beats. Conversely, the less interesting part of the album musically coincides with the final track, "Where I Found You (One Star)," as it's a reinterpretation of the first for the concept's purpose.

The main goal of the sound exploration present on "Ceres & Calypso," as slightly hinted at before, is to transport the listener's mind into the fantastic world illustrated by the work itself, through dreamy sounds, dynamic rhythms, and transcendental harmonies.

«A tangible dream, that almost suffocates you in an embrace» - I admit I thought of many definitions to try to describe the atmospheric beauty created by Candy Claws on "Ceres & Calypso," but this seemed the most fitting for obvious reasons.

Personally, I consider it one of the most unique and interesting albums within the dream pop and shoegaze scene. I would therefore recommend all lovers of the aforementioned genres to delve into this listening experience at least once in their lives.