Dool - Here Now There Then

Dool - Here Now, There Then (2017)
Debut Studio Album

Here Now, There Then is the debut studio album from the Dutch alternative rock band Dool, released on March 17, 2017, via Suburban Records. The album marked the beginning of a new chapter for the band, which was formed by former The Devil’s Blood guitarist and composer Ryanne van Dorst, alongside musicians from various other Dutch bands. Here Now, There Then blends elements of gothic rock, psychedelic rock, and dark post-punk, creating an atmospheric and intense sonic landscape.

The album was met with positive reviews for its mature songwriting, dark melodies, and the captivating presence of Ryanne van Dorst’s voice. Dool’s sound is often compared to acts like Siouxsie and the Banshees, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and The Cure, but with a more modern twist. Here Now, There Then is a visceral experience that marries an eerie, brooding atmosphere with moments of fiery intensity. The album was praised for its lyrical depth, rich instrumentation, and the band's ability to evoke complex emotional landscapes through both their sound and storytelling.

Musical Style & Themes:

Here Now, There Then incorporates gothic rock elements, driven by dark atmospheres, layered guitars, and haunting melodies. The album’s style can be described as a blend of post-punk and psych-rock, with occasional dips into indie rock and harder-edged riffs. The music creates a haunting, expansive mood, which is only enhanced by Ryanne van Dorst’s vocals—which range from ethereal, haunting whispers to impassioned, powerful bursts of emotion.

Thematically, the album deals with topics such as loss, regret, self-doubt, and personal transformation. The lyrics are rich with symbolism, exploring both the internal landscape of the self and the external world around it, often creating a dreamlike yet unsettling feeling.

Track Listing:

1. Vantablack
2. In Her Darkest Hour
3. The Death of Love
4. Golden Serpent
5. Ode to the Future
6. Time Is on My Side
7. The Alpha
8. Demon in Me
9. Shape Shifter
10. Here Now, There Then

Album Highlights:

• "Vantablack"
  The opening track, “Vantablack,” introduces listeners to Dool’s trademark blend of ethereal yet forceful sound. With its haunting guitars, atmospheric keyboards, and Ryanne’s chilling vocals, the song sets the tone for the entire album. The title references the world’s darkest artificial substance, creating a sense of depth and mystery right from the outset.

• "In Her Darkest Hour"
  A standout track, this song exudes a gothic atmosphere, with melancholic melodies and Ryanne’s voice delivering both vulnerability and strength. The track slowly builds, maintaining a haunting intensity that makes it one of the most emotionally powerful moments on the album.

• "The Death of Love"
  One of the more intense songs on the album, “The Death of Love” features a relentless rhythm and driving guitars, which complement the dark, pained lyrics. The song is both haunting and cathartic, underscoring the album’s emotional depth.

• "Golden Serpent"
  With its psychedelic undertones and swirling guitars, “Golden Serpent” feels like a slow burn. The track’s mesmerizing, winding structure takes the listener on a journey, showcasing the band’s ability to blend tension with beauty.

• "Here Now, There Then"
  The title track is a more reflective, atmospheric piece, centered around a steady rhythm and Ryanne’s emotive vocal delivery. The song stands out for its softer approach and poignant lyrical content, which touches on the themes of personal conflict and transformation.

Sound and Production:

The production of Here Now, There Then is immersive, with an emphasis on creating space and atmosphere. The layers of instrumentation—from shimmering guitars to subtle keyboard lines—are all woven together to evoke a sense of grandeur while maintaining an intimate, personal quality. The overall sound is dense but delicate, balancing heavy, driving rhythms with ethereal, atmospheric elements.

The album also incorporates subtle psychedelic nuances, with songs occasionally slipping into dreamy, hypnotic soundscapes, thanks in part to the band’s ability to experiment with spacey reverb and layered textures. This dynamic interplay between light and dark, calm and chaos, is one of the album’s defining features.

Critical Reception:

Here Now, There Then was well-received by both critics and fans for its bold yet measured approach to dark, atmospheric rock. The album has been praised for its mature sound, rich emotional content, and the standout vocals of Ryanne van Dorst, who is often compared to figures like Siouxsie Sioux and PJ Harvey. Critics noted that the album successfully blends gothic rock and psychedelia, carving out a distinct sound that feels fresh yet rooted in tradition. Many pointed out the emotional depth of the songwriting, describing the album as one that requires and rewards repeated listens.

The band’s ability to balance guitar-driven rock with atmospheric textures earned particular praise, and fans of bands like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The War on Drugs, and Chelsea Wolfe found much to enjoy in the album's unique blend of dark rock and psych.

Conclusion:

Here Now, There Then is a bold, immersive debut that introduces Dool as a band capable of weaving dark, atmospheric rock with emotional complexity and intricate musicianship. The album’s journey through brooding, lush landscapes and fiery bursts of energy makes it an engaging listen from start to finish.

For fans of dark rock, gothic rock, and psychedelia, Here Now, There Then is a must-listen, offering a captivating mix of emotional storytelling, rich production, and powerful performances. Dool’s ability to create a haunting atmosphere while maintaining a sense of dynamic energy places them as one of the more exciting new voices in contemporary rock. Whether you're drawn to the band's intricate soundscapes or their deeply introspective lyrics, Here Now, There Then proves to be a stunning introduction to what Dool has to offer.