Fen – Dear Mouse
Fen – Dear Mouse
Self-Released
Release Date: 13/09/2024
Running Time: 44:10
Review by Beth Morait
10/10
Not to be confused with the British Post-Black Metal band of the same name, this Fen hail from Canada, and create a very pleasing brand of Progressive Alt Rock. They’ve been around for a while, but this is their first release after a 12-year hiatus. And even though they’re a completely new name to me, I can say that, right from the first listen to this release, I’m glad they’ve decided to come back. So, what’s “Dear Mouse” all about?
Well, a better question would be ‘What isn’t it about?’ And the answer to that would be ‘not much’. Because this band have an incredible talent for making every song into a sound influenced by different musical genres. Although it’s very anchored in a 90s sound, which I really like – the 90s were my formative years, and while some may argue that it was this decade that destroyed Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, I absolutely don’t agree. It diversified things. And that’s good.
Theme wise, the overarching theme is endings, which the band explore in various ways. But rather than take a morbid view and get stuck in a sorrowful minor key, the band have created an uplifting and pacey listening experience, to release any negativity that ‘ending’ may hold. After all, however hard an ending of something may be, it is actually just the beginning of something else…
The opening track, ‘Ritual Lite’ is sonically firmly planted in the Indie scene. The vocal style in the verse made me instantly recall Kula Shaker’s ‘Govinda’. But it’s got more oomph about it than that track, and the chugging guitar riffs that mirror the bass, give it more depth.
The album travels through various genres; Grunge, Sludge, Soft Rock, and even a bit of Punk. But all in a very tuneful way, making use of some lovely close harmonies, and sumptuous solos. ‘The Seam of the Heart’ is probably the most progressive track on the album, with lots of unusual time signatures, and twists and turns. But, by this point, quirkiness doesn’t even matter anymore. The sound, however it’s displayed, is just really, really lovely.
This is a very easy listen. Even though each track is different in style, everything fits perfectly well together to create a piece of work that I really can’t fault. It feels honest, and smooth. Almost like they’ve recorded everything in one live session. Nothing’s over-egged or forced. It’s pure music. Technique and talent driving the mellowness, and making it seem effortless.
This also provides limitless boundaries for Fen to work with. Why tie yourself to one style when freedom is beautiful, eh? And this makes it impossible to establish a best track. They’re all equal, and all brilliant.
This, my dear music lovers, is probably one of the easiest albums I’ve ever had to review, and one of the easiest top marks I’ve given. Sometimes, your mind just needs pure music for music’s sake. And this is it.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Ritual Life
02. Recall
03. Season to Live
04. The Password is I Believe
05. Dying on a Hill (of Cubicle, Window, Steel, and Concrete)
06. The Seam of the Heart
07. Our Last Quarry
08. E.D.B.D
09. Dear Mouse
10. Into the Blaze
LINE-UP:
Randall Stoll – Drums
Jeff Caron – Bass on tracks 1-9
Sam Levin – Guitar, Piano, Programming, Bass on track 10
Doug Harrison – Vocals, Lyrics
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/fenmusic
https://fencanada.bandcamp.com
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Moriat and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
