Earlier cd-r releases of the Belgian post-industrial project Lokasenna (i.o.c.) already got good reviews at Funprox. Their debut on vinyl contains material recorded between 1994 and 2001, which has been remastered in more recent times. November Wind is a limited 10 inch record on the young label Elitepop, with six tracks and a nice printed insert sheet.

Lokasenna is the brainchild of sVn. He takes care of the electronic programming and vocals and he plays acoustic guitar, Flemish bagpipe, recorder and keys. On some tracks additional cello and vocals are contributed by Sirja.

The title track which opens the record, is sort of a ritualistic soundscapish track with repetive whispered vocals. Next is the more melodic and martial ‘Hier stehen wir’, which has hit potential with an attractive bagpipe tune and sampled German historical declamations. It reminds me of earlier Blutharsch work. Next is the folky song ‘Ostara’, which of course reminds of Death in June with its acoustic guitar and trumpet sounds, though it sounds a bit ’sweeter’, partly though the female backing vocals.

Side B starts relatively bombastic with the instrumental ‘Cello’, dominated by strings and heavy percussion and a moody recorder melody. ‘L’ame solitaire’ is a slow and solemn piece, which sounds unheimisch through the constantly repeated children’s voice. ‘Dernier acte’ is an elegant hymn which fuses moody electronic and stately organ sounds, a bit like Dernière Volonté’s early orchestral work.

November Wind is certainly a worthwhile record for fans of the martial/neofolk genre. Though I’m regularly reminded of other acts, it’s a varied record with well-executed tracks.

Author: HD. Published on: Monday, October 30th, 2006.
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