THE BLUE HOUR – The Windless Path
THE BLUE HOUR – Evensong

THE BLUE HOUR – The Windless Path (CD 2003)

(Perun www.terra.pl/perun )

After the „early recordings“ Compilation „Evensong“ on Poland´s Perun label, here is the second CD-album of Brian Hodges´ solo project THE BLUE HOUR. Hodges was also in Black Atmosphere, but THE BLUE HOUR has nothing to do with Gothic Rock or similar musical styles.

„The Windless Path“ has its roots somewhere between Folk music and Ambient and is build upon mostly acoustic guitars and string arrangements with some spare electronic elements and the warm voice of mister Hodges. The atmosphere is mostly melancholic, but not dark or depressing, I would call it simply a beautiful album.

I am sure, many Neo Folk fans will love this piece of music a lot, even because Matt Howden did some string arrangements and I guess, there is also a connection to Tony Wakeford.

The CD contains very likeable artwork, too, so there is no reason, not to buy this album, if you love calm Neo Folk music. THE BLUE HOUR is one of the more original bands in this scene, full of DIJ-clones. (A.P.)

(Perun, www.terra.pl/perun   / Dark Vinyl-Triton)

Well, this is not an actual release, but as it is really wonderful, I will give it the attention it deserves. THE BLUE HOUR is the Neo-Folk project of Brian Hodges with some help of Christoph Gladis and Tom Molke. It is strange, that this CD was released in Poland, but it shows that there are also people, who like special music like this.

The music is a mixture of atmospheric Keyboard sounds and acoustic Guitars, often close to the well known acts. A special relationship seems to exist to Tony Wakeford and his band Sol Invictus, as Brian Hodges gives „special thanks to Tony Wakeford for inspiration“ and also covers the Sol Invictus classic „Lex Talionis“ in his very own way. The whole atmosphere of this album is very calm and relaxing, sometimes it´s getting very dark like in „Red Sands“. I first listened to this album while reading a book about Dracula and  songs like „Procession Of The Sun“ and „Silence My Dress“ seemed to be the perfect „book“-soundtrack. I really like this CD, even, if I am not a big Neo-Folk fan. Don´t forget to have a look at the wonderful cover! (A.P.)