Album Review: Peter Lawson – The Witchfinder (OOB Records)

Blending progressive rock with folk, alongside other genres, Peter Lawson’s new album ‘The Witchfinder’ is based on the true story of Matthew Hopkins, the self-proclaimed “Witch Finder”, who terrorised parts of England during the time of the English Civil War in the Seventeenth Century.

A record that features a creative array of instruments to deliver a highly atmospheric piece of work, while being acutely progressive. Lawson has attempted to capture the simplistic feel of the era it is set within, and at the same time, reflect the dark and devilish side of the story. Something done with mostly instrumental sounds and with the goal to keep the listener on their toes. You might think you know what an album based around Matthew Hopkins and his wicked ways sounds like, but Lawson has some tricks up his sleeves.

Immediately showcasing the unique aspects of the record with opening track Saint Vitus Dance via an eerie introduction that bleeds into medieval-style melodies controlled by churning synths. Getting stranger and stranger as it goes on, it’s a very intriguing start to the record and more than enough to tempt a curious listener to carry on into 1542 and Third Eye Blind. The former is a dynamic prog rock listen with flashes of heaviness and even more off-kilter moments. Whereas the latter brings back the medieval folk but there’s a gloomier tone to it, worrisome and uncomfortable, with psychedelic elements that begin to creep in as it goes on.

So far, so distinctive, and Lawson can certainly be called creative. Even when he simplifies things and delivers a bit of heavy head banger with the title track or goes so experimentally prog, such as with the following Accursed, that it can be somewhat off-putting. Regardless of your likes or dislikes, everyone will at least be able to agree on the unique flavour that this record has.

It’s what ensures most will be more than comfortable finishing it up, especially as The Witch’s Pyre is such a whirlwind of sounds that alter the mood in so many different ways. Before the album wraps up with the inventive, and weird, The Setting Sun. Right up to the end, Peter Lawson keeps you guessing and it certainly does thrill. It’s not going to be to everyone’s taste, but those that give it a fair chance will find a truly genre-bending experience.

Peter Lawson – The Witchfinder Track Listing:

1. Saint Vitus Dance
2. 1542
3. Third Eye Blind
4. The Witchfinder
5. Accursed
6. The Witch’s Pyre
7. The Setting Sun

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