Henri Herbert: American Psycho
(HH Records)
DL | Stream
Out Now
The Baron of Boogie Henri Herbert wastes no time in following up on his recent album by releasing a new single American Psycho. This time Henri is joined by some esteemed musical collaborators to produce yet another supercharged piano-driven rocker which once again harnesses the sharp edge and raw energy of early boogie driven rock’n’roll.
Little doubt that Henri Herbert’s most recent album Get It While It’s Hot went a long way to reintroducing the piano to the front lines of modern rock’n’roll with songs infused with all the wild spirit and raw energy of early rock’n’roll, rhythm and blues, and garage boogie. But just as important, it was a collection of songs which stood as a fine testament to the rock’n’roll heritage which it draws on so heavily as Henri constantly works to re-invent and re-energise this rich musical heritage and breath new life into it in the 21st century.
And just as the dust has barely settled on Henri’s keyboard since this album, he now signals the next chapter in his journey with new single American Psycho. Taking some time out to hit a studio whilst on a visit to London late last year from his Nashville home, Henri managed to hook up with some old friends and musical colleagues to record this confrontational high energy rocker to make a real statement on the world that surrounds us all right now. And with Jim Jones on guitar and production duties, Aidan Sinclair on drums and Phil Polecat on bass, the outcome was always going to be something to behold.
Within just a few seconds of Henri’s opening refrain on the keys, American Psycho kicks into a dark-edged grunge fuelled beat which is lavishly garnished with twinkling keys and Jim Jones jagged guitar lines, whilst all the time Henri navigates his narrative through a world of economic instability, immigration battles, and the psychological strain of chasing a dream across continents. Underpinned by Aidan and Phil’s tight-knit groove and Jim’s production which accentuates the authenticity of the sound, this is Henri Herbert at his rawest and most confrontational as the quintessential immigrant hustler and an artist navigating an economy that measures human value in dollars and status.
Above all else American Psycho sets a new benchmark for boogie-woogie in the 21st century creating a new platform for social commentary as the driving beat and high energy rhythm penetrate your soul. No question at all that there is much more to come from Henri Herbert in the coming months so stayed tuned and watch this space.
You can buy the single here.
You can find Henri Herbert on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Bandcamp and his website.
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All words by Ian Corbridge. You can find more of his writing at his author profile here.
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