The new band The Gentle Spring are making music that builds upon the traditions of the C86 generation and the one after. The tunes are full of a simple elegance that shouldn't be surprising to hear when we remember that one member of the band was in The Field Mice.
And while Michael Hiscock, Emilie Guillaumot and Jérémie Orsel are The Gentle Spring, this new single is a winner down to the vocals from Emilie. "Severed Hearts" is simple and very affecting, the vocals echoing those of Sarah Nixey in Black Box Recorder or Sophia Churney in Ooberman, with the backing favoring a direct style that is less jangle-pop and more chamber rock. The tune is beautiful and it's one of the best things I've heard in months. Play this often and then pre-order the band's debut album, out in January.
Looking Back at the World by The Gentle Spring will be out on Skep Wax in mid-January 2025. Details via that site, or via the Skep Wax Bandcamp.
[Photo: Philippe Dufour]