In Love We Trust＜限定盤/Black & Orange Splatter Vinyl＞

Mixing together the atmospherics of their early years, the clever dance hooks of their Phoenix era, and the goth-club, synth sounds of their later work, In Love We Trust is Clan of Xymox in top form, delivering what's arguably their best album in 20 years. As such, it's a great excuse for all their 4AD-era fans to check back in. Melancholic lyrics are buried in washes of mournful synths, and forlorn women once again drive the songwriting as titles like "Emily" and "Desdemona" bring to mind classic Xymox songs like "Michelle" and "Evelyn." The expansive "Judas" could have fallen off their debut, while the layered "Morning Glow" is a dreamy as anything off Medusa, although the New Order-like bassline is a new touch. So is the deepening of leader Ronny Moorings' voice -- at times, making him sound very much like Sisters of Mercy's Andrew Eldritch -- but the delivery is familiar with hushed verses giving way to choruses filled with desire. These are all the moods and textures longtime fans seek, and with no filler to complain about, the album is an easy recommendation to any fan of the darkwave genre. ~ David Jeffries