detailed info: discogs.com

Rastos De Sangue E Fragmentos Da Tradição is the second part of the series of The Empty Circle, and also the second full [...]]]> artist: The Joy of Nature
release: The Empty Circle Part II – Rastos De Sangue E Fragmentos Da Tradição
format: CD
year of release: 2009
label: Ahnstern
duration: 64:58

detailed info: discogs.com

Rastos De Sangue E Fragmentos Da Tradição is the second part of the series of The Empty Circle, and also the second full length by The Joy of Nature on Ahnstern. While remaining faithful to the project’s unique Mediterranean neofolk sound, this particular album benefits from an emphasis on song, as well as the addition of guest musicians who bring touches of their own style to the music.

While the rich, dreamy sound of The Joy of Nature‘s previous releases remains in place, masterfully mixing various string instruments, percussion, as well as horns, field recordings, and other sources, this album has a fresh sound to it, leaving more room for vocals and song structures to emerge, and less emphasis on almost soundscape-like compositions. A perfect example, as well as one of the best tracks on the album is “Cavalos Correm Nas Minhas Veias”, a rousing uptempo track with a martial rhythm backing and a generally uplifting and battle-ready sound to it. Add to it chariot sounds, bagpipes, whistles and whatnot, and you’ve got an excellent track that wouldn’t be out of place with a project like Sangre Cavallum. No surprise perhaps that Bruno Ardo is one of the guest musicians on this track.

There is slightly more room for more expansive tracks on the second half of the album, where experimental compositions carve out a space for themselves. We are treated to a showcase of project mastermind Luís Couto‘s broad range of musical and vocal styles, the latter of which still aren’t perfect everywhere, but this detracts little from the high level of general quality of the music on this album. Particular mention deserves to go to tracks like “Sombras Dos Nossos Ancestrais” [Portuguese for Shadows of Our Ancetors, if general linguistic knowledge doesn't fail me], with its diverse ritual character, and “A Senhora Do Almortão E A Criança Esventrada”, equally flowing and ritual, and sounding like a warmer southern European version of Tenhi, if you can imagine such a thing.

Coupled with themes of nature, spirituality and tradition, the music on this album is highly convincing in its combination of compact songs and extended experimental compositions. In many respects, the most mature The Joy of Nature album to date, and one that is certain to please lovers of Luís’ earlier work, as well as lovers of experimental folk music in general.

Reviewed by O.S.

Tracklist:

1. Invocação Ao Arcanjo Miguel (1:05)
2. Tanchão (3:14)
3. Terra De Lava E De Mar (4:06)
4. Ó Menino Ó (2:55)
5. Nas Veias Do Menino (2:15)
6. Cavalos Correm Nas Minhas Veias (4:03)
7. Sete Cidades (5:23)
8. Senhora Da Manhã Vitoriosa (3:48)
9. Por Tua Saudade (5:52)
10. Sombras Dos Nossos Ancestrais (6:29)
11. A Senhora Do Almortão E A Criança Esventrada (8:49)
12. Do Outro Lado Da Montanha (8:28)
13. O Cortejo Sinistro Das Sombras (5:39)
14. Para Lá Das Sombras (2:52)

detailed info: discogs.com

Sangre Cavallum is no new name for me, but I hadn’t had the pleasure of hearing their music before I got Veleno de Teixo. The band hails from the Portuguese area of Callaecia, a region [...]]]> artist: Sangre Cavallum
release: Veleno de Teixo
format: CD
year of release: 2007
label: Ahnstern
duration: 62:42

detailed info: discogs.com

Sangre Cavallum is no new name for me, but I hadn’t had the pleasure of hearing their music before I got Veleno de Teixo. The band hails from the Portuguese area of Callaecia, a region with its own unique heritage, language, and culture. And this is exactly what Sangre Cavallum is all about: expressing this identity in music.

The band themselves do not refer to the music as neofolk, and in a sense, that is correct, although the preoccupation with ethnic identity and heritage definitely has its parallells in the neofolk scene. Regardless, the music on this album contains a seamless blend of traditional folk and mediaeval music, modern folk/martial experimentation, and even a slight rock/metal touch. Other distinctive elements are the powerful and epic vocals of new lead singer Emanuel Meno da Cunha, and the extensive use of folkloric field recordings.

As can be expected, this results in a varied sound, ranging from rousing martial folk tracks (“Braneas Fastoras” and “Bravura” being my favourites) to traditional folk dances (“Chin Glin Din”, “Cantiga”) and pathos-filled ballads (“Às Mães às nossas Mães”). The great diversity of instruments contributes even more to this. Many great percussive elements, guitars and other strings instruments, bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, etc. It’s all there.

The title of the album means ‘yew poison’, and it refers to the ritual self-sacrifice made by women in the early history of the region when facing defeat at the hands of their enemies. This is but one of the many ways in which the band incorporates its local heritage into their releases. The superb cover artwork and other layout, as well as the great masks worn by the band on the pictures also deserve mention.

There is perhaps some room for improvement here and there – not all tracks are equally strong, and the vocal performance isn’t always consistent, but the merits of this album are great. On the whole, there are many strong and evocative tracks, and I consider Sangre Cavallum to be one of the more original and pleasant acts in today’s alternative folk world. Don’t hesitate to check out this album if the themes of history and folk heritage in music appeal to you!

Reviewed by O.S.

Tracklist:

1. Bravas (1:22)
2. Dona Angelica (3:57)
3. Colosso de Fedralva (4:20)
4. Ó Menino Ó (3:55)
5. Braneas Fastoras (4:49)
6. Moinho de Sangue (4:23)
7. Chin Glin Din (3:29)
8. Às Mães às nossas Mães (3:13)
9. Cego Andante (5:37)
10. Monte Medulio (4:03)
11. Duriana Troa (4:44)
12. Sagrada Teixo / Cruel Vento (4:52)
13. Cantiga (2:44)
14. Tremor – rebentam peles, scivas e águas (2:47)
15. Noite de Solstício (3:22)
16. Bravura (5:05)