Le Cygne Noir – Shadow Of A Wrecking Ball (Album – Cherry Red Records / Anger Management Records)
Genre/Influences: Cinematographic, ambient, psychedelic.
Format: Digital, CD, vinyl.
Background/Info: This is the debut album of a so-called enigmatic solo-artist, who achieved a conceptual album as a kind of imaginary soundtrack ‘based around the end of the world and a zombie takeover’. However it has been introduced as a solo-work, some famous artists like Wayne Hussey (The Mission), Simon Hinkler (The Mission), Julianne Reagan (All About Eve) ao contributed to this work.
Content: The dystopian and somewhat SI/FI theme of the work resulted in a deeply, cinematic inspired work. From vintage electronic sounds to psychedelic guitar play, this work sounds a bit like the offspring between Tangerine Dream and Pink Floyd. There are numerous, noticeable piano arrangements. While most of the songs are instrumentals edits, you also will notice a few tracks with vocals and/or chants.
+ + + : The music has been conceived as a soundtrack and it clearly sounds that way. I like the vintage electronics and multiple effects while the psychedelic passages inject an exciting 60’/70’ touch. One of my favorite cuts is the extra elaborated “Don’t Look Now”. This song is more melodic as well. The contribution of all the guest musicians for sure is an extra attention grabber.
– – – : The album is easily enjoyable, but there’s no truly climax. It’s an ambitious work, but without becoming a real soundtrack it might get lost in anonymity.
Conclusion: This album will appeal for lovers of dark soundtrack music and psychedelic experiences.
Best songs: “Don’t Look Now”, “Inferno”.
Rate: (6½).
Artist: www.lecygnenoir.co.uk / www.facebook.com/lecygnenoirmusic
Label: www.cherryred.co.uk / www.facebook.com/CherryRedRecords
About Le Cygne Noir
Le Cygne Noir is a UK-based solo project whose debut album, “Shadow Of A Wrecking Ball”, was conceived as an imaginary soundtrack based around the end of the world and a zombie takeover, released via Cherry Red Records / Anger Management Records. Guest contributors on the album include Wayne Hussey and Simon Hinkler of The Mission, and Julianne Regan of All About Eve. The project returned in December 2021 with the alternative Christmas single “Last Christmas”, again featuring Regan alongside Bethany Porter on cello and Neil Taylor on guitars. Later Le Cygne Noir releases include the compilation “The Complete Le Cygne Noir” (2024) and “Repainted” (2025).
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