heather french henry - safari Etiquette

Heather French Henry

Safari Etiquette
self-released; 2014

4.0 out of 5

By Eva Cantillo

Heather French Henry brings us a vibrant collection of music in Safari Etiquette. Hailing from Indiana, this band’s latest album was partially recorded in the band’s basement and partially in Sleepwalker Studios. While listening to this seven-track album, I attribute the sound to be an exotic combination of Dead Weather, Fleet Foxes and Little Dragon.

The opening track is so much fun to listen to, I am transported to a place with neon lights, bright blazing fires and huge rustic trains travelling at light speed. “Safari Etiquette” has a compelling running beat that could be a soundtrack to the build-up of an action movie. Simple percussion and a super sweet banjo all lead up to the introduction of captivating vocals. The lyrics are just as colorful as the sound, “I’ve been out hunting, on a safari or two…keep us on heading home.”

The female’s looming voice on “New Tribes,” makes you fall out of this universe while listening. You wouldn’t expect this wave of vocals because the song starts off very mellow and has a steady calculated beat. The male’s voice draws interesting metaphors; “they build what they let go… built a new bridge.” Then toward the middle end, the female vocalist goes out on high notes in harmony with the male vocalist, “the wheel turns so slow.”

Heather French Etiquette offers a dynamic, cultured listen with plenty of instruments, effects and the addition of beautiful voices from both a male and a female. The staple four band members plus the menagerie of about six other musicians makes this album incredibly spirited and a trip to listen to. Sound quality on the album is great the only thing that could be improved on is the lack of more songs!

Become A Fan