detailed info: discogs.com

It’s been a year or six since the last proper Sol Invictus album, and we’ve had to turn to Tony Wakeford‘s consistent work on various side projects (The Triple Tree, Orchestra Noir, Grey Force Wakeford) [...]]]> artist: Sol Invictus
release: The Cruellest Month
format: CD
year of release: 2011
label: Auerbach
duration: 56:50

detailed info: discogs.com

It’s been a year or six since the last proper Sol Invictus album, and we’ve had to turn to Tony Wakeford‘s consistent work on various side projects (The Triple Tree, Orchestra Noir, Grey Force Wakeford) and solo works to follow the man’s current musical directions. Nevertheless, it seems he’s gathered enough inspiration from all these endeavours to infuse Sol Invictus’ seminal neofolk with some new influences.

As has been the case with practically all albums by the band in the almost 25 years of its existence (an impressive datum in itself) there is some recycling of themes, melodic motifs, and composition structure. What fascinates me is that despite of this, and with the help of a varying and ever-changing musical arrangement, most of these albums are still interesting and fresh enough, and The Cruellest Month is no exception. Tracks like “Something’s Coming” and “Toys” (though the latter is lyrically very enjoyable) have perhaps a bit too much of that “heard this before” feeling, but overall, there is a lot of variation. Andrew King‘s rendition of traditionals (“Edward” and “Cruel Lincoln”) differ from his solo works in the addition of the Sol Invictus band, and practically embody the part of neofolk that is rooted in folk balladry. Tracks like “Stella Maris” and “Fool’s Ship” tackle a more expansive sound and nautical theme where the rich arrangements for flute (Guy Harries), dulcimer (Reeve Malka) and violin (Renee Rosen) truly shine. The same point applies to the brilliant instrumental “April Rain”.

Another selling point of The Cruellest Month is the collection of series of tracks that have been all over the place, except together on a definitive Sol Invictus studio album: “To Kill All Kings”, “The Bad Luck Bird”, “The Cruellest Month”, and “The Blackleg Miner”. All are live staples, typical anthems, or at least bound to become one, so it’s good to have them all here. I must say that a bit more fire could have gone into the delivery of these here and there, but overall, these are solid tracks, and more examples of what has kept Wakeford’s compositions interesting throughout the years: a strong sense of rhythm, song structure, and memorable melodies.

The first couple of drafts of this review in my head compared The Cruellest Month to side project albums that have impressed me the past few year (Ghosts by The Triple Tree, Marble Heart by Grey Force Wakeford, Not All of Me Will Die by Wakeford solo). The greater degree of experimentation that Wakeford displayed on such albums is in some sense laudable, and part of me wishes a bit more had trickled through into this one. All the same, this is a Sol Invictus album, and another part of me realises that staying relatively faithful to the song-based tradition of neofolk is what keeps the band on track as a project. In that light, the balance struck between tradition and more loose composition and instrumental play on The Cruellest Month is excellent. So, it’s a new album by what stands as the mainstay band of the neofolk genre, and though it’s not a thoroughly surprising one, I’d say it’s exemplary and at the top of what the genre has to offer.

Reviewed by O.S.

Tracklist:

1. Raining In April (2:34)
2. To Kill All Kings (4:50)
3. The Sailor’s Aria (1:38)
4. Fool’s Ship (4:24)
5. Toys (3:20)
6. Edward (5:36)
7. The Bad Luck Bird (4:14)
8. April Rain (5:33)
9. Cruel Lincoln (7:59)
10. Something’s Coming (4:11)
11. Stella Maris (3:26)
12. The Cruellest Month (5:45)
13. The Blackleg Miner (3:23)

detailed info: discogs.com

It’s been quite a wait, but after almost five years, 2010 sees the release of new Sol Invictus studio material. A full-length album is upcoming on Auerbach/Prophecy, but this 7″ is the [...]]]> artist: Sol Invictus
release: The Bad Luck Bird
format: 7″
year of release: 2010
label: Auerbach / Prophecy
duration: 7:14

detailed info: discogs.com

It’s been quite a wait, but after almost five years, 2010 sees the release of new Sol Invictus studio material. A full-length album is upcoming on Auerbach/Prophecy, but this 7″ is the first taste of what is to come on The Cruelest Month.

And that is, not surprisingly, classic neofolk as it is not often made anymore these days. Mainstays of the genre like Current 93 and Death in June have moved into different territories or relative silence since the early and mid-nineties, which can be considered the heyday of this particular sound. And as for later bands, we’ve seen some quality material here and there during the past ten years, but on the whole, the genre seems to be in low gear.

Who better than Sol Invictus would come with new material to celebrate this traditional neofolk sound? The A-side is a rousing and swooping song with strong percussion, a guitar chord base, and lead roles for flute, violin, and cello. The track is a logical but more powerful continuation of sounds from 2005′s The Devil’s Steed, and pretty much embodies the side of neofolk dedicated to grandeur and martian feelings. “Stella Maris” explores the calmer, more mysterious side of the music, without letting go of the full instrumentation.

If this style is any indication of what will feature on the upcoming album, it is something to look forward to, especially if you have a soft spot for Sol Invictus‘ particular neofolk style. I must say that I was a bit disappointed by the overly modest packaging and layout of this limited 7″. In this digital age, vinyl buyers like to be rewarded with a dash of colour, a gatefold, or even an insert or inner sleeve would’ve been nice. Apart from that though, this is a very enjoyable single that shows Mr. Wakeford and his merry band have still got it.

Reviewed by O.S.

Tracklist:

A. The Bad Luck Bird (Single Version) (3:37)
B. Stella Maris (3:37)