This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
I don’t usually critique a disc’s packaging. But it’s impossible not to be impressed by the gorgeous CDs put out by Fancy and Alien8.
A Slow Messe, the newest from eclectic Montreal collective Molasses, is a fine example: It includes little black paper envelopes for the CDs, two booklets with lyrics, credits and artsy photography, a tasteful gatefold sleeve and another black envelope to house the entire package. It feels like a little coffee-table art book instead of a CD.
That attention to detail is elegantly mirrored in the music of this ensemble led by singer-guitarist Scott Chernoff and featuring members of Godspeed! You Black Emperor, Hrsta, Shalabi Effect and Come. Hushed tones, haunted atmospheres, dark melodies, minimalist arrangements, dirge-like tempos, hypnotic drones and despondent vocals are woven together with found sounds and field recordings into ominous, adventuresome creations that bridge the gap between gothic Americana and post-rock. Imagine Bonnie “Prince” Billy collaborating with Radiohead and you’re halfway there. Give them artistic control over their packaging and you’ve got the whole picture.
