Looking Back At The World. The Gentle Spring

It almost seems as if there are more bands who try again or pivotal members of former bands returning under a new name, than truly new bands. The Gentle Spring is one of the middle category. Michael Hiscock once played in a band called The Field Mice, one that passed me by at the time. That is my bad, as the band has a Wikipedia page and at the time, circa 1990, scored hits in the U.K.

Today Hiscock lives in France and plays music again together with Emilie Guillaumot and Jérémie Orsel. Together they form The Gentle Spring. The band name is well chosen. The songs on Looking Back At The World are gentle, soft spoken and sensitive. If I have to compare the record to any other band it is Belle and Sebastian in my universe. Hiscock sings not unlike Stuart Murdoch. The background vocals of Guillaumot only add to my impression and then she takes the lead as well, as in 'Severed Hearts'.

And this is not a bad thing, don't get me wrong there. The Gentle Spring's debut album is a very pleasant listening experience. The kind that allows for easy listening, without a load of challenges to conquer while listening. Looking Back At The World is the kind of album to submerge in and surrender yourself to. Simply let it come over you, like a slow wave on the beach. Soon there's nothing but you and the music.

Promo photo: Philippe Dufour

You will discover the subtle details in the different songs. A gentle guitar, the softly sang harmonies, little additions in the form of keyboards, all come to you slowly but surely. If Looking Back At The World does anything it is caress and relax you, song after song.

No, this album will not rock the world, as it is not intended to do so. It will please you no little though. Sometimes things are simply beautiful and that is more than enough.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght

You can listen to and order Looking Back At The World here:

https://thegentlespring.bandcamp.com/album/looking-back-at-the-world