Little Cemetery - ​Dead Noise

Little Cemetery 

​Dead Noise
self-released; 2016

3.5 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
​

Serena Minnihan (vocals), Bo Peng (piano), Julia Rusciano (cello) and  Anne Meisner (violin) are Little Cemetery. After my first run through on their EP Dead Noise it reminded me of what the music room would sound like when it was occupied by theater students who are working on a play. After my third listen I still felt the same way.

Dead Noise is also an example of decent music that is undermined by a bad recording. Sorry to say but the recording suffers from digital distortion, phase issues and sounds really boxy. Those are just facts and hopefully we will hear something more refined in the future from the group. 

The EP opens with “I’m Afraid” which is arguably the best song. This song also happens to sounds the least like they are theater students rehearsing a play. The song is melancholy and simple. Minnihan has a good voice and I enjoyed the orchestral arrangement which lay on top of the piano.

“Black and Blue” is a lot less melancholy. In fact it sounds motivational. If “All We Do is Work” isn’t in a play already I’d be surprised. I mean the part where is she is just talking and then goes into the catchy chorus is destined for the stage. The same could be said about “Questions.” That vocal phrasing she sometimes presents is undeniably aligned with theater. 

Overall, I like the music. I’m not completely sure I always enjoyed the angle as I was transported back to my high school imagining theater kids rehearse. There is no denying the players have some talent and Minnihan can sing.

​The one thing I hope they get from this is that they should save up their money for a better recording or befriend someone who can produce a higher quality product. I know for myself that I would have appreciated this music more if the recording were better.

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