Brian Hodges, like Steve von Till of Neurosis, shows once again that a lot of musicians
from the metal scene are sliding little by little towards quality romantic neofolk. Leaving aside his
initial band Black Atmosphere for the duration of this solo album, Brian Hodges fits in perfectly with the
world that is familiar to him, paying homage to a musical genre he particularly affections. As proved by
the Sol Invictus cover, Lex Talonis. Yet it is not a simple copy of the sounds of formations that have
belonged for ages to the industrial neofolk scene, but an original and honest work. Superb folk ballads,
sweet and bitter, of apparent quietude. It is difficult however, to put a label on the music, with neofolk
blood in the veins. The reminiscences are hard to determine, yet it seems that one can hear, with a
certain dose of imagination I agree, Martyn Bates of Eyeless In Gaza doing covers of Current 93, Lady
Morphia or Lux Interna, or In Gowan Ring playing at making Nick Drake songs sound more cheerful. Many
fragile and lunar emotions flow from these melancholic tracks, always on the razor's edge, on the verge
of going under at any moment, but that keep a proud and vengeful poise. Fine notes of acoustic guitars
mingle with Brian Hodges fragile voice, which carries in them a sensibility laid bare. Along with the
tracks, sung with accompanying guitar and tambourine, are inserted a few instrumental pieces, solemn and
grave, dark and atmospheric. They add to the album an autumnal hue of a world of ruins and scorched lands.
Lost moors where respect inspiring mortuary songs suddenly ring out. "Evensong" is released on the Polish
label Perun, a young structure run by Tomek Zrabkowski, who is also the founder of the zine Cold, and
whose label is to be followed attentively, in view of the musical and graphic quality of this first
production.
A very nice album, that leaves aside the trodden path, offering a cure of youth to the folk noir genre,
whose undeniable qualities appear clearly with each listen.
Stéphane F.
Eté 2002