Gone To The Unseen: A Brief Review Of The New Album From Mark Van Hoen (Locust, Black Hearted Brother)

As part of Locust, and Too Pure Records band Scala, among others, Mark Van Hoen staked out space in the UK electronic scene. Broadening his reach as Black Hearted Brother with members of Slowdive on a 2013 Slumberland Records release, Van Hoen veered toward a more accessible, though no less rigorous sound. Now, with The Eternal Present, the musician is back with an engaging new solo release.

"Gone to the Unseen" is glacial, emotions kept coiled up with the music a precise mix of elements, while the harder "Only Me" mixes rhythmic heft with whirring keyboards and samples. Elsewhere, a cover of Slowdive's "Shine" with guest Rachel Goswell finds Van Hoen echoing Goswell and crew's own work in Slowdive, as well as his own past contributions to records from Seefeel and his own Locust. "Multiplex", another highlight here, serves up a dub-like vibe that wouldn't be entirely out of place on an African Head Charge record.

The Eternal Present by Mark Van Hoen is an album which has material which will cut across genre labels in terms of appeal. Those coming to this for electronica will be rewarded, of course, while those hoping for a more mainstream sound may find traction with the Slowdive cover. The record is engaging, and full of spaces to get lost in. I dig that.

The Eternal Present by Mark Van Hoen is out now via Dell'Orso. Details below.

[Photo: Brooks Gallo]