Sennen

Sennen release New Quiet, their first album in over 10 years, on October 30. It’s
a wonderfully warm and fuzzy record, self-recorded by the band but with the
end results mixed by James Chapman, aka Maps. It sounds at once fresh but
familiar, with the band approaching their music with an uncomplicated honesty.
The London-based four-piece’s familiar influences are still there, but this
time the band are leaning into them rather than shying away. “In the past we’ve
felt uncomfortable, but you can end up sabotaging a good idea like that,” explains
singer/guitarist Rich Kelleway. “On this album, I think we’re feeling a sense of
freedom from self-imposed stipulations we’ve put upon ourselves.”
In short, they’re having fun and enjoying being a band again, something
that was inspired by putting together an expanded anniversary reissue of their
classic debut album Widows in 2021. This certainly explains the slightly wistful
atmosphere that pervades New Quiet, a mix of nostalgia and acceptance.
“When we did the Widows reissue we were able to recognise the unfiltered joy
we got from being in a band and making music together when we were in our early
20s,” says Rich, “and making the new album has brought that into focus again.
“I’ve accepted that I need this band in my life. I like to think we’ve funnelled that
feeling into making this record and it’s an honest expression of us, now.”
“The band is a lifeboat for us, and always has been,” adds singer/guitarist Larry
Holmes. “The happy-sad, fear, hope stuff comes from us getting older and having to
experience a fair old slice of life here and there – as does everyone.”
Essentially, New Quiet is an album that’s actually about itself; about the
importance of being in a band; about making a record; about listening to music.