Music Review: Steve Moore - The Henge

It wasn't all that long ago that I reacquainted myself with Zombi. The Lucio Fulci helmed classic was filled with dread as it methodically ploded along, punctuated by moments of extreme gore. That gore was highlighted by the unforgettable eye impalement. Yes, Fulci did love his eye-violence, almost as much as he loved to give his films a snail's pace. It was that pacing that separated the hardcore zombie freaks from the gorehounds.

What does this have to do with anything? Well, The Henge was crafted by Steve Moore, one half of the experimental instrumental duo Zombi. It's a band that took its name from the beloved zombie film and is crafting a career making instrumental soundscapes that sound as if they were taken out of old school zombie films. The give them a personalized sheen, taking the listener on an expansive journey. Steve Moore's The Henge is distinctly different from the Zombi music I have heard, yet clearly from the same mind that helped craft their singular sound.

Now, I have to admit my experience with Zombi is pretty limited as they have only just come onto my radar. However, I really like what I have heard and definitely plan on adding something from them to my collection. Until then, I will just have to deal with Steve Moore's solo work to get me through. Fortunately, The Henge is more than up to the task. The album is definitely interesting.

Where to begin? The Henge is an experimental, progressive soundscape that is at odds with the music stylings I am normally exposed to. Rather than blast beats, screaming guitar solos, blood curdling screams, and skull crushing riffs, this music is all about mood, ambience, and atmosphere. It's not about how many notes you can play, or how fast, or how melodically brutal you can get. The Henge is an album perfectly suited to headphone listening while sitting in the middle of a dark room. It is a meditative score for your synapse cinema theater.

The album is comprised of five tracks: "Introduction," "Infinite Resignation," "Henge/Ascension," "Dead Tide," and "Cepheid." Despite the breakdown, they are not really songs so much as parts that when brought together create the whole experience. Much like watching a film, you would not want to watch it without its dialogue or its soundtrack, you really don't to take these movements out of their context.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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