Spleen Arcana - "The Field Where She Died" Review

Artist/ Band: Spleen Arcana
Title: The Field Where She Died
Label: Self release
Year of Release: 2009
Offical Artist/ Band Link

The Review:

Spleen Arcana is primarily performed by French multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Julien Gaullier, He is joined by David Peron (drums) and Marie Guillaumet (additional vocals).It has similarities with early Porcupine Tree and fellow countryman, Nicolas Chapel (Demains), in that it’s a solo participant composing and executing the music with some help. One difference to my ears is that Julien’s vocals are unlike anyone while having a comforting feel to them. He has a raw and raspy vocals which fit the music.

The debut album, The Field Where She Died, was released earlier in 2009. It contains a darker side of modern Progressive Rock while not falling into the pitfalls of the genre. Upon several listens I find the album to be something wonderful in that it has a unique direction while not going too much out there. Each song is equally important in the way Julien creates dark and dreamy soundscapes contrasting with some aggression for accenting the moods of the music.

Spleen Arcana easily is recommended for fans of modern Porcupine Tree, Opeth (Damnation mostly), Phideaux, Abigail’s Ghost, Anekdoten to name a few. I feel the fans of those bands will embrace the music on The Field Where She Died, with open arms. I can’t wait to see where the music takes Spleen Arcana. Highly recommended and one of my favorite releases of 2009.

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on July 10th, 2009

Tracks:

01. Trample On Me

02. The Missing Piece

03. A Picture Of Two Lovers In The Mist [video clip]

04. Tears Are Made To Flow

05. A Kind Of Heaven