Double Echo’s third album, Period Rooms, stands as a testament to authentic ‘old-school British-vibe goth,’ delivering ten meticulously crafted songs. In this release, Double Echo distinguishes itself by adopting a more stripped-down production approach compared to their previous works. This deliberate choice enhances the album’s overall melancholic tone and haunting atmosphere, creating a cohesive listening experience where each track complements the next. Chris Luna, the primary songwriter, takes center stage on lead vocals, a shift from earlier albums where lyrical and vocal contributions were shared among band members.
On “The Balloon Girl,” the album’s lead single, Luna’s reverb-laden falsetto exhibits a versatility that could find a home in shoegaze, yet it acquires a distinctly ‘spookier’ dimension within this gothic context. The sonic landscape of Period Rooms reveals a heightened influence from The Cure’s ’17 Seconds’ era, characterized by prominent basslines and clean, melodic guitar work. Further sonic touchstones include echoes of Clan of Xymox and Lowlife, enriching the album’s textural depth.
Formed in 2012 as a studio project, Double Echo originated from the collaboration between guitarist Chris Luna, based in San Diego, CA, and bassist Ash Lerczak in Liverpool, UK. Their initial aim was to explore dark, 80s-inspired post-punk. Their debut album, Phantomime (2013), emerged from this transatlantic partnership and remains their most upbeat and commercially oriented work to date. Luna’s relocation to Liverpool soon after facilitated live performances in the local scene. The addition of Ellon Souter on keyboards in 2014 marked a stylistic evolution towards a slower, darkwave-influenced sound, fully realized in their second album, La Danza (2016).
Period Rooms initially saw a digital release in late 2017 and was lauded as album of the year by gothic-rock.com, underscoring its immediate impact within the genre. Subsequently, a vinyl edition, limited to 300 black copies, was pressed. Double Echo effectively silences any notion that their creative spark might Peter Out. They confidently assert their unique sonic identity, and their exceptional songwriting prowess solidifies their position as a leading contemporary band in the goth scene. This is particularly evident in tracks like “Before The Mirror,” a standout moment that encapsulates their artistic strengths and leaves a lasting impression, proving their sound is far from fading.
