Richard Dawson puts his odd folk roots into prog-rock with 'Henki', and ends up blooming magnificently.
Upon the last decade, Richard Dawson’s exploration of a person’s story dipped through flawed societies either in modern times on ‘2020’ or in medieval times on ‘Peasant’ are grounded, yet also shows dispirited these people he writes in his stories, tightened up with his croaked singing and off-kilter folk acoustic and synth melodies that will give most people a second thought to push through and unravel the bleakness on display.
So going for a prog-rock switch-up and a collaboration with a band that has dabbled in those waves isn’t a surprise, given Richard Dawson’s style of writing and melodic structure that may fit well in a prog-rock vein. And fitting indeed, as Richard Dawson and Circles weave a record filled with soaring vocal and instrumental build-ups that may well be Richard Dawson’s approachable album to date. This touchup allows his writing to feel bigger, with details of plants, death, and how there is still something left behind even after the death of something or someone.
It’s a wonder that Richard Dawson still manages to make his oddball sound and clear writing appear just as potent under this prog-rock vein, but is approachable enough to allow everyone to get into the style and poetry. This may be a great starting point for those who are unaware of Richard Dawson’s work, and it’s an album that will leave you climbing back for more.
Favorite Tracks: Cooksonia, Ivy, Silene, Lily, Methuselah, Pitcher Least Favorite Track: Silphium