Album Review: Henrietta Game – Black Ship
Reviewer: Steve Coyle
Henrietta Game is a five piece alternative folk band that have been on the Irish music scene since early 2009. Their debut album “Black Ship” is set to be released Friday the 24th. Henrietta Game are a band that could be compared to the likes of Arcade Fire and The Cinematic Orchestra but at the same time they bring their own individual sound to the table, mixing classical instrumentation with a more contemporary feel and structure. Certainly a welcomed addition to Ireland’s thriving music scene.
Black Ship’s opener “Intro” begins with a lone glockenspiel playing a gentle melody, something which is echoed all across this album. Shortly cello and violin are added to the mix, then guitar and finally soaring voices fill the song’s remaining spaces. Layer after layer the song creates such a beautiful soundscape, which gently sucks the listener in.
The next track “Black Ship”, possibly my favourite on the album, demonstrates the strength and versatility of the different vocals and ranges within the group. The chanting of “Black ship in the distance” creates an almost serene atmosphere, while in the background haunting violin sounds can be heard along with piano chords. The lead vocalist of the song is then presented and the song slowly builds; guitar, cello and percussion added as the song continues building to a gargantuan climax.
“Sleep then”, the current single from the album instantly caught my attention. The song showcases the bands exquisite use of dynamics. Soft harmonised vocals are heard on the verses which change to a powerful chorus which captures your attention immediately. The lyrics “Words lie like daggers scattered along the ground” are to be heard, while percussion, glockenspiel, and dizzying backing vocals encompass them.
Another memorable moment on the album would definitely be the song “Berlin”. The song really shows the cohesiveness within the group. Every note, every rest, is meticulously picked. There’s another great vocal performance here with some very memorable lyrics. The song has everything, without a doubt the centrepiece of the album!
This debut certainly has some moments of genius and some of utter beauty. However I cannot say it’s a perfect album, there are times where it’s just not connecting with me. Like in the song “28 Hours”, although I do like the verses of the song, I find the choruses seem to drag out and let the song down. Moments like these though are few and far between, and in general there’s not much I can fault on this album.
Overall Henrietta Game have delivered a very strong Debut which I believe will definitely make a mark on the Irish music scene in the coming months. The near perfect arrangements, blissful instrumentation and utter variety on this album is sure to capture the hearts of many.