Sennen: Widows
Hailing from the city of Norwich and combining the shoegazing atmospherics of the likes of Mogwai and My Bloody Valentine with catchy indie melodies, Sennen are a distinctive and very promising new band who have recorded their first full-length album after spending several years playing live to audiences in the local area. Although their live shows have always consisted of compelling melodies wrapped up in walls of tuneful noise their recorded sound brings the vocals to the fore: the energy and power of the songs is not lost but they have taken on a lot more focus, making Widows a surprisingly self-assured and accessible debut.
The opening track, I Couldn’t Tell You, fades in with quavering, echoing guitars as the drums begin a measured and hypnotic melody that slowly rises and falls with the softly delivered lyrics. The song takes its time in building up to a crescendo, but as is demonstrated on numerous occasions during the album’s duration there is no reason to feel impatient. The two vocalists harmonise well, and sound soothing with a hint of melancholy - reminiscent of Pink Floyd in the first half of the 1970s. Opened Up My Arms feels like Joy Division’s Love Will Tear Us Apart being taken by the hand and gently led through Sennen’s unique soundscape; one of the album’s shorter songs but nonetheless strikes a good balance between the band’s apparent dual influences.
Laid Out is another relaxing piece of introspective ambience that rattles along at a pretty energetic pace in comparison with what else is on offer here: the line “I’ve got time to take it/I feel so good” sums up the unhurried and carefree vibe, complete with chiming, reverb-laden guitars in the background. All the Time shows a marked reduction in tempo; once again the song meanders thoughtfully and delivers some rewarding listening, demonstrating the band’s confidence in the listener: in days of three minute pop songs and formulaic tunes not everyone has the patience to appreciate something different but believe me, it is worth every second of your time.
It’s Not Like It Used to Be returns to the plaintive and thoughtful theme with the lyrics conveying vague feelings of loneliness and introspection; just when it seems that it will follow the route of the previous three the guitars swell into a steady maelstrom of noise that has to be turned up loud to be appreciated fully. It segues effortlessly into the dark and almost menacing One and the Same Thing, driven by the most powerful bass and drum performance on the entire album. The distorted power chords do not outstay their welcome however, and end abruptly to give way to the album’s title track.
Sennen clearly left the best till last. Widows is a haunting and emotionally charged song that makes only slight use of words to close the record on an impressive note. Once again FX-laden guitars, a solid bass line and washes of cymbals drive the song slowly and effortlessly to its conclusion. The guitars ebb and flow, the drum fills play out and the band’s ability to weave a dynamically varied and spectacular piece of music is demonstrated to the full.
While the band’s influences are clear (they’re named after a song by the band Ride, for example) Widows makes respectful nods to the shoegazing greats while managing to show its individuality. Sure, it is experimental but the songs included here do not fall too far into showy guitar work; at the same time they can’t be accused of being radio-friendly and commercial either.
In Summary
The balance between avant-garde ambience and the indie sensibilities that have more mainstream appeal is sometimes a difficult one to find but Sennen have certainly managed it. Their judgement of writing and recording is almost uncanny considering it is their first effort; the songs do not follow the standard formula but are never over-long or self indulgent. The material on this album is far from directionless however: the music merely takes its time but the journey is very much worthwhile. If Widows is anything to go by, Sennen are on course for great things.
Tracklisting
- I Couldn’t Tell You
- Opened Up My Arms
- Laid Out
- All the Time
- It’s Not Like It Used to Be
- One and the Same Thing
- Widows
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