Album Review

The debut from Living With Hermits (AKA Justin Bowsher) is an interesting listen to say the least. After playing Rook through three straight times in a row, I still don’t know exactly what I’m hearing. As conflicting as it is to describe, I was caught off guard by how LWH combines guitars, keyboards, and various laptop effects to create a very cohesive and diverse recording. The foundation for this record is bedroom lo-fi soundscapes that are both ambient and harmonious. And this is where the waters of Rook can be difficult to tread.

I appreciate that this “shoegaze” experiment (a term I’m using very loosely, as LWH combines elements of shoegaze with many other genre specific approaches) is diverse and wide reaching, particularly by using odd combinations of drum programming and scarce bits of electronica in the mixes. But LWH have also given equal time to the songs, and Rook does not rely solely on arrangement or style. The songs are there. Subtle, moody, and exploring damp and dreary terrain, listening to the album almost takes you on a (subliminal) visual journey.

 I personally have deep love for “bedroom pop”, so this DIY ethic has a strong appeal to me. The songs have a genuine and non-contrived air about them, and it’s nice to hear “indie-rock” minus the snobbery from time to time. That’s what makes Rook such a notable listen. There is still much space for Bowsher to crack open, but in his rookie attempt, he has carefully chosen his path and the result is positive.

For fans of: Boards of Canada, Frank Lenz, LN, The World Inside, etc.

~ Garrett Johnson