“Bookmaker records” is a brand new label offering up French psychedelica. Lately France has been getting some pretty excellent bands emerging, seemingly out of nowhere, with these takes on expansive music. Henryspenncer continues in that proud tradition.
Valentin Feron’s music is massive. In his own words, he states that it is influenced by Northern Scotland. As someone who has wandered around those parts, I’d say there’s a certain truth to it. The sounds are somewhat inviting despite the sometimes ominous nature. Perhaps that’s due to all the instruments he incorporates, or the slow movement of the pieces themselves.
There aren’t any loud surprises. Pacing-wise, it has a certain post-rock build. When the loudness or a crescendo does happen, it feels deserved. “An Elevator to Nowhere, with a Pyramid” has a far-off sound. Even as it gets more percussion, it reminds more of a threat than an outright onslaught.
If this has any similar bands, I’d probably say latter-day Earth. A western twang is noticeable on most of the pieces, particularly the shorter sketches “Roma” and “Hibernation”. On the closer “The Timeless Valley” Henryspenncer even employs an acoustic guitar and organ.
Henryspenncer creates a likable album. It exists between drone and outright psychedelic. By incorporating so many different ideas and using a certain degree of discipline, he creates an album that feels well-worked over. Each piece sounds thought through and there are no needless displays of solos. It is just giant sound. Get lost in it and get it here.