THE RETICENT (EN)
1- Hello, thanks for answering to our questions. What are you guys currently up to?
Thank you for asking them. Well, right now we’re in the process of vetting a new drummer and then we will be heading out to do some more shows. Other than that we are just trying to get people excited about the release of the new album, “On The Eve Of A Goodbye”.
2- First off, could you make some history of the band?
The Reticent started out as an acoustic side project for me [Chris] while I was playing in other metal bands such as Wehrwolfe. The purpose of the project was to provide an outlet for those ideas and emotions that were unaddressed in the previous groups. After those other bands faded away, The Reticent evolved into something a bit more progressive. The first album, “Hymns for the Dejected”, was recorded in a bedroom and self-released in 2006. The second record, “Amor Mortem Mei Erit”, was released in 2008 on Heaven & Hell Records. In 2012, the last album, “Le Temps Detruit Tout”, saw the first major shift in sound and featured arguably the most popular thing The Reticent has done – my cover of R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion”. A short run tour and several live member changes later, the band has evolved into something aiming more to give audiences a complete emotional experience.
3- How could you describe your sound?
It’s hard to say that’s a difficult question without sounding pretentious. Regardless, I’m not sure. I strive to write music that is appropriate for whatever story I am telling and so that might include something thrashy or minimalistic or orchestral or death metal-like or jazzy. So as much of a dodge as it is to say, I think that different people will give you different answers to that question. Though, if I were pressed, I would describe The Reticent’s sound as honest.
4- What are the band’s main musical influences?
Steve Von Till of Neurosis was perhaps the chief inspiration when The Reticent first started. Nowadays I draw a lot of inspiration from anything and everything. Most frequently the works of Samuel Barber and Beethoven spoke to me a lot in recent writings. The Miles Davis masterpiece “Kind of Blue” was on almost constant rotation while I was recording the last album.
5- How is the feedback for your new album being?
So far from the few advanced reviews we’ve seen already, the response is extremely positive. People seem to be resonating with the experience that I tried to give them with the album which is all I could hope for.
6- And are your personally satisfied with the final outcome?
I think no work is truly ever finished it is only abandoned as the saying goes. I did my best and hopefully that will be enough for folks. Overall though, I am satisfied. The real test to me will be if it helps someone else. I’ve given voice to my pain but if I am able to give a voice to someone else that needs it, then this album will have done what I set out to do.
7- How could you describe this opus in just 3 words?
Sounds of heartbreak.
8- How has the production process for your new release been?
The recording process was wonderful. Jamie King (producer/engineer) gave me all the room I needed to not only explore or experiment but to give myself over to the music. It can be a nerve-wracking experience in the studio especially if you feel like you are trying to “beat the clock” but that is exactly why I wanted to work with Jamie. I never felt rushed to do anything. In fact, Jamie often remarked how quickly we’d get things done which also aided that relaxed, no need to rush feel. This was vital in trying to capture what we set out to capture.
9- And how do you use to work on the songwriting?
The songwriting process is not a terribly complex one for me. I don’t try to write something that fits a specific sound. It is the advantage of not being a “fill-in-the-blank” genre band – I don’t have to sound any certain way. I strive rather to simply be honest in my sound and that requires getting to some quiet place in my mind and going where the music wishes to go. It doesn’t always work but I think any songwriter will agree that a riff or melody will resonate with you and often lead you where it wishes to go if you will listen.
10 – Finally, what are you near-future plans?
My hope is to help the album make some rounds and get back out there doing some shows. With any luck, the album will help some people – particularly those that have struggled with suicide or are the ones left behind. I suppose that is not something that can be considered a future plan but it is a hope though.
11- That’s all from our side, thanks again for taking your time to answer our questions. If you now want to add some final words; feel free to do it.
Thank you again for taking the time to ask me the questions.
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