by Heather Phares
With 1999's The Three Calamities, Switchblade Symphony continue their evolution into one of darkwave's most open-minded and far-sighted groups. Jazzy and electronic elements sculpt deep grooves into songs like &Invisible& and &Copycat,& while &Naked Birthday& and &Therapy& update the group's faster, more accessible style. Delicate pieces like &Monsters& and &Anmorata& show off Susan Wallace's compositional skills, and Tina Root's versatile vocals heighten the theatricality of &Wicked& and &Fear.& The Three Calamities builds on Switchblade Symphony's prior musical successes and puts them ahead of the curve, resulting in the group's most interesting and accomplished album.