Hector Gannet is both a solo project and a band, led by singer songwriter Aaron Duff. In the band scenario he has enlisted the help of Martin Wann on guitar, Joe Cody on bass and Jack Coe on drums. They have supported the likes of Sam Fender, Tom Williams, The Felice Brothers, and Hollis Brown.
Festival appearances were planned but the current pandemic put paid to that. Their debut album “Big Harcar”, named after a small, rugged island off the north east coast of England came out at the end of last month.
`The Whin Sill` opens the album and it`s a wonderful slice of almost americana. A song named after the layer of igneous rock that lies beneath various counties in the north, forming areas of outstanding national beauty and the national parks of the North Pennines and Northumberland, a reminder perhaps that from struggle comes beauty, it’s held in the land, and it’s there to be drunk in. There`s a wonderfully ethereal texture to this track with a hypnotic drumbeat, mesmerising guitar chords and an unassuming bass line allowing Aaron`s vocal to shine.
The band explore the different interpretations of patriotism with `All Hail. All Glory` with both Britannia and Boudicca namechecked and a reference to war poet Wilfred Owen with his 1917 poem `Dulce et decorum` mentioned. A delightfully upbeat number with some intricate almost afrobeat guitar riffs.
`In Fading Light` starts quietly before building into a faster paced track with words that were a bit lost on me but either referred to mortality or environmental decline. A captivating composition with the repeated chorus of “In fading light beyond all earthly binds we’ll weep while they meet their demise” does really embed itself into your subconscious. There was an interesting edgy feel to `Serpentine` maybe a little art rocky, but enjoyable. The lyrics were a little left field and really passed me by.
`Into The Deep` is a song where we’re reminded of the consequences of damaging the oceans and wildlife within. Lanterns on the Lake`s Hazel Wilde adds her presence as guest vocalist and a foil to Aaron. A quite atmospheric offering where it`s almost halfway through before the singers join in.
A number that was influenced by viewing vintage footage of shipbuilding on the Tyne follows with `The Launch` Shipbuilding was a major industry on Tyneside and its ultimate decline is still keenly felt today. This piece is a slow burn, a musically emotive homage to the past with minimal lyrics which allows less to say more.
‘Dead Nag’ apparently addresses similar issues but much more head on, highlighting the historic struggles of the working class, women, and other groups of people who are left to take the hit while others reap the wider benefits. I would never have picked up the theme from the words shared, which were a little obscure, but the tune was pretty rousing. There`s a soulful feeling to `Hollow` influenced by the North East`s coal mining heritage, an annotation on industrial decline’s outcome on identity, not just in their native north east, but across the UK.
The album closes with ‘The Haven of St Aidan’s’ a just under ten-minute quest around the North East which encompasses Holy Island, The Pennines and a reference to The Forfarshire, a paddle steamer shipwrecked against Big Harcar in 1838. Although lighthouse keeper Grace Horsley Darling, isn`t specifically named with references to the steamer in which she participated in the rescue of survivors and the title St Aidan`s where Grace is buried, it`s a subtle tribute. The track begins softly before we enjoy some intricate musical interplay adding to the overall mystique.
“Big Harcar” is partly inspired by Aaron`s family background which is rooted in elements of fishermen and trawler men in North Shields, but also touches on themes of land and to nature, examining contrasting interpretations of patriotism, stressing our disregard for the planet, and tackling the exploitation of regular working class people by the media and government. It`s quite varied musically with hints at americana and ethereal, emotive, and atmospheric tones throughout. The lyrics can be a little vague at times but there`s no denying the intense, introspective, and passionate power of this personal subject matter. A terrifically thought provoking and captivating album.
Rating 9 /10
