Friday 8 March 2013

Benoît Pioulard – Hymnal



Being a long time follower of independent Chicago label Kranky Record's output, I was particularly excited to hear news of a new Benoît Pioulard release.   


For those not in the loop, Benoît Pioulard is the pseudonym of Michigan artist Thomas Meluch who, in his latest offering, has temporarily relocated from the US to the contrasting landscape of the South East England to record ‘Hymnal’, his fourth for Kranky and his most productive recording to date. 
Accompanying his wife to the UK who is studying near Chichester, Meluch has taken inspiration from the religious iconography of local churches and cathedrals sitting within the ethereal landscapes of Kent and Sussex.
‘Hymnal’ produces a beautiful concoction of drone and minimalistic sounds along with wondrously melodic guitar, haunting vocals and stark sounding percussion. Reminiscent of the early Bibio pre-Warp recordings, there seems to be that pastoral buzz floating about. It has been skilfully and lovingly produced in a reel-to-reel recording fashion providing an eerie, nostalgic and warm inner comfort feel. 
The sounds are not too dissimilar to the previous Benoît Pioulard long player ‘Lasted’, but this time round seems more progressive in production with a retro-regressive vibe in attitude. Call me a sentimental old fluff but there is something very special about discovering recordings that find their source of inspiration from towns, villages, buildings and their geography.
  
 
From the whirling dervish sandstorm of ‘Gospel’ to the bells that toll on ‘Knell’, ‘Hymnal’ is a beautiful piece of work that has a sun-drenched day dream psychedelic vibe to it yet can also be appreciated on a winter’s day with a following cold easterly! Spiritual rather than worldly. A multi-seasonal masterpiece!
 

Sunday 24 February 2013

The Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell – Don’t Hear It…Fear It!


Remember how some sounds can have a serious affect on your driving?
Within the first few notes of ‘Mark of the Beast’ their prog heavy psychedelic landmark debut album ‘Don’t Hear It…Fear It’, ‘The Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell’ are whipping up a shitstorm whilst I’m negotiating the dangerously icy back roads like a Scandinavian rally legend! 

The ingredients for this prog cocktail is that firstly you take a little bit of Blue Cheer, add a side order of Geezer with a dash of Leslie West or Tony McPhee and it may give you an idea but don’t get me wrong, ‘The Shovell’ are original in their own right! 

Hailing from Hastings, this power trio have taken their name from The Admiral of the Fleet Sir Cloudesley Shovell, a 17th century naval hero, and who’s personnel include guitarist Johnny Gorilla, Bill Darlington on drums and Louis Comfort-Wiggett on bass.

With a consistently heavy 70’s loco feel throughout, ‘Don’t Hear It…Fear It’ is an outstanding debut and a force to be reckoned with! If you don't believe me, it's now residing in the legendary catalogue of the very fine ‘Rise Above Records!’