There are nods to North Africa and dronefolk in equal measure. At times there are definite similarities with the dreamy effluence AR Kane created in the late eighties.
Benoît Pioulard – Temper
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A brilliant, dark essay in feeling down and out-there (there are smack references along the way)…With tracks like Brown Bess and A Woolgathering, Temper weaves together a set of low-key introverted minor key folk songs to a dreamy, spacey sound. It’s a bit Gothic at times, I don’t know why but it’s also very 1982 Bunnymen too: Clap Hands, stuff like that. Ahn, for example, is a soothing mini-march, slightly martial strumming and plinky synths combining to good effect. Elsewhere it is pure sound effects that hold sway, (Sweep Generator)
There are nods to North Africa and dronefolk in equal measure. At times there are definite similarities with the dreamy effluence AR Kane created in the late eighties.
However, let’s not split hairs too much. It’s a top listen, perfect for an autumnal reflection on your behalf. And I seriously recommend it if you like downbeat sounds.
Words: Richard Foster