Not quite sure how this review didn’t get published at the time, it somehow slipped through.
The album was released in 2017 and there have been a few releases since so it’s a great way to discover the music of The Hunted Hare.
The Hunted Hare is the guitar oriented recording project of Dennis Kane, a Washington DC based composer, musician and audio engineer.
Nothing is Always is a superb album. I love how the arrangements are minimal but expertly done so that everything has its own place. It’s a captivating sound, contemplative and reflective with a cinematic feel at times.
Intro
There’s a slightly ominous feel to the opening leading into a minimal / sparse feel with a tolling bell and strings.
The Holy Warriors of Spain
Bassline gives momentum which contrasts against the sparser strings. A brilliant arrangement, it’s a pensive, reflective song.
Restraint and Then Relapse
A lovely opening guitar arpeggio and riff, a great interplay between the two creating a reflective and captivating song with an edge of tension to end.
My Blind Empire
A beautiful soundscape from delayed guitar and an evolving string / pad sound.
Anchorite
Solemn deep strings and bass to open, this is another contemplative song with a great flow and just an edge of tension at times.
A Lullaby (Of Sorts)
Another reflective song, a superb arrangement of sparse bass accompanied by a melody.
Magic Circle
An edgy feel to the opening with delayed guitar riff and lead line which creates a great tension. The song has a lonesome feel at times, an edgy vibe.
Mild Horses
Another reflective song, a contemplative feel from bass and slow strings.
Just Beneath The Surface
Delayed guitar to open, I really like the interplay between guitar parts creating a feeling of hope and anticipation.
Malleus
A synth arp to open contrasts against emerging background strings. As the arp fades, a guitar enters and the song takes on a soundscape quality, its an excellent ambience.
