dark folk / dark ambient
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Several months ago I had the chance to review 'Arsenal' by French folk noir singer/songwriter Kentin Jivek (read). Now he returns with a surprising album. Surprising because of the professional approach to this usually quite bedroom-sounding genre. Surprising also because of certain elements that remind me of totally unexpected bands. Yes, this might be one of the most professional and mature sounding folk noir albums I've ever heard, and possibly also the most approachable one.
Dressed down, you can see the songs on this album as dark ambient soundscapes and drones on which a number of folk songs are being sung. At first, it takes some getting used to the distinct voice of Kentin but gradually it starts growing and references start coming above. These references aren't the least. Andrew King and Current 93 come first, soon after followed by Anathema and Pink Floyd. At one point in opener 'Last Light', I feel a similar atmosphere as I felt while listening 'The Wall' by Pink Floyd, that growing insanity, remember?
Besides drones and soundscapes, there seems to be some place for experimental electronics as well, but only if they can enhance the strange atmosphere of the music. Another important instrument is the acoustic guitar, hence possibly the folk-edge. It's hard not to get immersed in this strange atmosphere, which feels a bit like sitting around an open fire during a camping trip in a haunted forest.
By the end of my previous review for Kentin Jivek, I mentioned that his 'Arsenal' album could use some more instrumentals to be complete. Kentin didn't do that but still managed to come up with something that exceeds the previous album. There are some awe-inspiring pearls on this album, highlighting in 'The Forbidden Truth' and the dark and eerie 'Qop'. So if I recommended the previous album, I certainly recommend this one. This act is getting better and better...
Serge
Dressed down, you can see the songs on this album as dark ambient soundscapes and drones on which a number of folk songs are being sung. At first, it takes some getting used to the distinct voice of Kentin but gradually it starts growing and references start coming above. These references aren't the least. Andrew King and Current 93 come first, soon after followed by Anathema and Pink Floyd. At one point in opener 'Last Light', I feel a similar atmosphere as I felt while listening 'The Wall' by Pink Floyd, that growing insanity, remember?
Besides drones and soundscapes, there seems to be some place for experimental electronics as well, but only if they can enhance the strange atmosphere of the music. Another important instrument is the acoustic guitar, hence possibly the folk-edge. It's hard not to get immersed in this strange atmosphere, which feels a bit like sitting around an open fire during a camping trip in a haunted forest.
By the end of my previous review for Kentin Jivek, I mentioned that his 'Arsenal' album could use some more instrumentals to be complete. Kentin didn't do that but still managed to come up with something that exceeds the previous album. There are some awe-inspiring pearls on this album, highlighting in 'The Forbidden Truth' and the dark and eerie 'Qop'. So if I recommended the previous album, I certainly recommend this one. This act is getting better and better...
Serge
