
Penumbra marks the seventh album by Sairen, the guitar-driven post-rock project by Guillaume De Marqué from Brittany, France.
Sairen’s Penumbra delivers ten meticulously crafted post-rock tracks, each unfolding at a slow tempo to encourage deep introspection. Drawing inspiration from the chiaroscuro technique in visual art, which contrasts light and shadow, the music reflects this interplay through subtle tonal shifts, creating a striking balance of brightness and darkness. The result is an immersive listening experience that invites reflection and emotional depth.
Guillaume describes the creative process as beginning with a simple guitar riff, melodic phrase, or rhythmic pattern, which then evolves into complex compositions. This method is evident in “Division,” where an intricate rhythm creates an illusion of acceleration through a unique note duration pattern. Recorded in the misty landscapes of Brittany, Penumbra blends dark, melodic guitar riffs and arpeggios with occasional brass instrumentation in tracks like “Bradycardie” and the ethereal “One Last Hour.” Electro elements in “Yonaka” and the closing track “Grace in Darkness” further enhance the album’s atmospheric depth.
The album’s dynamic range is fully realized in tracks like “Métamorphose,” which transitions from a brooding introduction to a lively finale featuring delay guitars and electro arpeggios. To refine its intricate soundscapes, Sairen collaborated with Magnus Lindberg for mixing and mastering, ensuring clarity and depth in the production. Penumbra takes listeners on a compelling journey through dramatic and serene moments, offering a richly layered and deeply introspective sonic experience.