By John Bedard
This one is a real change of pace. I have lived in Kentucky for quite a while and when I heard the next album I was going to be reviewing was from my neck of the woods and was not metal I had no idea what to expect. There are some very specific stereotypes about music in Kentucky. After saying a few prayers that the album would not be country I pressed play. There would have been no way to prepare me for what I heard. This is so far out of the realm I am usually in that I could not tell you what genre this is. The genre is not what is important though what does matter is that this album is good. It is really good!
The composition of the music has an almost ambient flair to it at times. There is a subtlety and softness to it. It can be a little repetitive but that is not a negative in this case even though, for me, it normally would be. Each track stays in a very intentionally restricted range setting a somber and eerie tone that is then held keeping you just at the edge of a breath. It is a great example of how, if you really know what you are doing, you just a few notes to very effectively control emotion. One thing that I did notice is that this album very much benefits from a nice set of headphones or a really well set up stereo. Because of the heavy and long-held bass tones if there is any vibration in the room it will have a negative effect on the tone. This album is worth it to get it right.
Complementing the instruments, we have some wonderful vocals with that same subtle, eerie, somberness to them. Amber Thieneman’s vocals are dark and sweet and impossible to describe to someone who has not heard them. They are oddly comforting while still being foreboding. She is perfect for the musical style. There is so much emotion poured into every track.
‘Dark Woven Light’ is wonderfully simple while being emotionally complex. Nick and Amber Thieneman have really mastered getting the sound exactly where they want it to get the emotion they are trying to convey. It is wonderfully put together and I enjoyed every minute of it. I would definitely recommend you give this album a try. I think it will be a pleasant surprise for many people. I loved it.
- ‘Dark Woven Light’ is released on 20 March. You can get your copy HERE.
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