By DJ Astrocreep
A short but sweet introduction to the band for me, ‘Ombre’ is a three-track sophomore release by Le Menhir, a one-man project based in Sheffield, after his debut EP, ‘Aube’, was released in 2018.
Of the three tracks, the middle is a three-minute instrumental, splitting up the heavier nature of the other two with a soft interlude and feels as such – the eye of the storm if you will. The surrounding two tracks strike as much of drone as they do post-metal or doom, having that feeling of almost menace that tends to accompany such writing and are based on life and death, in that order, providing a concept that fits neatly inside of this release.
Opening track ‘Nocturne’ looks at the formation of life and has more elements of post-rock that Le Menhir have previously shown than either of the other two tracks, with some layered vocals complementing each other well, whilst sounding almost like the chanting of Gregorian monks at time – a feeling that actually fits quite well in terms or the song style and structure. This is complemented well by EP closer ‘Fossile’, which continues the theme from Nocturne, both in terms of the vocal delivery and musical style, with a simple bassline providing the main driving force to the rhythmic guitar, completing the drone cycle mentioned earlier.
Despite the brevity, it’s a good EP and certainly a mouthwatering taste of things to come. While it’s still quite early in the career of Le Menhir, Paul seems to have found a good balance between writing and bringing his vision to life in a manner that can appeal to others – I can see good things coming his way, should the current trajectory continue.
- ‘Ombre’ is released today (Friday 21 June). You can get your copy HERE.
- Le Menhir play The Maze in Nottingham tonight and Cafe Totem in Sheffield tomorrow (Saturday 22 June).
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