Album Review: Hanry - What Came From Silence
Reviewed by Oli Gonzalez
From the ranks of Pelagic Records, an ever dependable source of quality post-rock and metal, comes one of the newer and younger bands in their ranks; Hanry. Beginning life in 2022, the band have amassed a rather vast collection of EPs already, and their name is appearing on the likes of Trans Musicales and Pelagic festivals respectively. “What Came From Silence” will be Hanry’s full length debut, as well one of their more expansive and mature releases.
The overall feeling of the album is one of a band still finding their feet, showing glimmers of real promise whilst have some areas that you just feel there’s potential but could be so much more. We can start with the opening track ‘Noise Drowns Out’ to illustrate this. The build is slow, with tension and intrigue building gradually throughout the early stages. There’s no conventional nor canonical song structure. Just flowing elegantly like a river. Then, that river flows towards a waterfall, with the water bursting over the cliff tops in an awe-inspiring and brilliant site. What we hear in the crescendo of this song is the musical equivalent of a waterfall. It’s immersive, euphoric, hugely atmospheric. It’s brilliant. Peak post-rock! Though one high of sadly very few highs. Now, you have to let an album breath, and let the build to these crescendos feel like a reward for your patience and persistence. At the same time, we’re in an attention economy and people’s ability to concentrate is at an all-time low. It feels like some of the quieter more ambient parts don’t really do enough to sustain your attention and results in segments that lack the necessary stimulation, miles away from the dazzling peak from earlier in the album.
Though “What Came From Silence” finishes strong. Very strong. ‘Phantom Rush’ is a nine minute gem, built around the innate emotional strength of the piano as the melodic focal point of the song. The drums feel powerful, evocative, earth shattering. Along with the shimmering and glistening glass like guitar tones, this combination demonstrates Hanry’s true talent. Whether it’s the quieter more introspective ambient sections, or when the dynamics shift to larger and grandiose, there are many peaks and troughs in a journey that demands to be listened to again and again.
To reiterate, “What Came From Silence” demonstrates the early promise and exciting potential of one of post-rocks future breakout stars. Even if some creases are to be ironed out, they will be as time passes and experience grows.
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