Review ALL THEM WITCHES “House of Mirrors”

The release of a new album by All Them Witches was not guaranteed. The Nashville-based band launched their latest studio album in 2020. It took them six years to work through some changes before they were ready to record again. The seventh album, titled “House of Mirrors”, follows “Nothing as the Ideal”.

A significant change was the departure of Robby Staebler in 2024. As a founding member, his decision to leave left a significant void, and it took the other members some time to fill it. At the time, it was even uncertain whether All Them Witches would continue. However, some initial shows with Christian Powers unleashed new energy, leading to the decision to continue and the creation of “House of Mirrors”.

The album features ten songs, beginning with the intense opener “Red Rocking Chair”. Drawing on the traditional bluegrass song, All Them Witches add a dark edge to it. This song also sets the scene for the rest of the album.
“House of Mirrors” is a gloomy album, and one of its songs, “Culling”, features minimal instrumentation. A manic and dark beat and a grief-stricken guitar create a very special feel alongside hypnotic vocals.

Blues is another genre that echoes throughout “House of Mirrors” and “Aethernet” is the perfect example, with a repetitive, bluesy theme setting the tone for a song that evokes a unique atmosphere.

“Hold Up, Say What” delivers a shift in pace. It is a thunderous moment, featuring roaring guitars. The calmer middle section provides a welcome respite, with the violin taking centre stage.

“Go Getter” is a calm, psychedelic song and a contrast to the throbbing “Hold Up, Say What”. “Startin’ Line” builds on the introverted momentum of “Go Getter”, bursting with energy at times. “Turn on the Light” also relies on subtle sound. At the same time, All Them Witches creates a special vibe that runs through the album. Although not being loud or furious, “House of Mirrors” creates an intense atmosphere that captivates listeners. Listening to this album is like experiencing a sonic fever dream that transports you to another planet while keeping one foot in reality, a feeling that is perfectly captured by the pulsating “Saturn Song” finale.

With “House of Mirrors”, All Them Witches launch an intense album. Navigating through fields of doom, landscapes of melancholy, and hallucinatory repetition, the album is a musical adventure worth embarking on.