detailed info: discogs.com

After releasing the excellent second Birch Book album in 2007, and a couple of successful tours with the likes of Woven Hand, Faun, and Sieben, [...]]]> artist: Birch Book
release: Volume III: A Hand Full of Days
format: CD, LP
year of release: 2009
label: Little Somebody (CD), Ahnstern (LP)
duration: 60:41

detailed info: discogs.com

After releasing the excellent second Birch Book album in 2007, and a couple of successful tours with the likes of Woven Hand, Faun, and Sieben, it was time for B’eirth to settle down and record the follow-up, which is what I hold in my hand now. A Hand Full of Days was released on CD by Little Somebody Records, who’ve found a perfect addition to their roster with this album, and the vinyl edition was once again handled by Ahnstern.

The album is constructed in symmetrical fashion, with the instrumental birch tracks opening and closing the album, as they have done twice before. Also at opposing places are “Left Hand” and “Right Hand”, atmospheric instrumentals that provide a repose from the ten songs that make up the bulk of this hour-long album. The songs are in a style that has been more or less the same throughout the past decade: gentle singer/songwriter folk, with clear influences from psychedelic and neofolk, as well as touches of americana.

The production and polishing of B’ee’s music has never been better than on this album, which lends it a strong appeal, though I must say A Hand Full of Dayswon’t turn any heads in terms of innovation. B’ee does what he does best, and his strengths lie mostly in creating gentle, flowing songs with eloquent lyrics. At times, a darker atmosphere is achieved, on an instrumental like “Hatched in Stone”, which is an excellent track, but held back by a sense of understatement that works better on peaceful tracks like “Patchwork Woman”.

Altogether, though, this is another good album from one of the more unique voices in contemporary alternative folk. It most certainly won’t disappoint fans like me, but newcomers will find much to enjoy as well, especially if you have a love for calm, laid-back folk.

Reviewed by O.S.

Tracklist:

1. Birch Leaves (2:08)
2. Feet Of Clay (3:30)
3. Empty Corner Of The Page (5:42)
4. Left Hand (3:36)
5. Patchwork Woman (5:16)
6. Stray Summer Song (6:28)
7. Hatched In Stone (6:57)
8. Sad Song (3:39)
9. Nothing More (3:23)
10. White Angel (4:52)
11. Right Hand (4:02)
12. Life’s Lace (3:52)
13. Will Of The Wind (5:02)
14. Birch Leaves (2:14)

detailed info: discogs.com.

Two Little Somebody labelmates get together on this latest instalment of the double 3″ splits. A perfect packaging once [...]]]> artist: The Joy of Nature / novemthree
release: Auguries Of Innocence /
Meandering In Streams Of Reflection
format: 2x 3″ CD-R
year of release: 2009
label: Little Somebody
duration: 41:53

detailed info: discogs.com.

Two Little Somebody labelmates get together on this latest instalment of the double 3″ splits. A perfect packaging once again, with a sewn paper gatefold holding the spraypainted and hand-stamped CDr’s.

Auguries of Innocence presents more of the dreamy neofolk we’ve heard on earlier The Joy of Nature releases, but mixed with some heavier rock influences, like on “Song of Innocence”. Stylistically, I like this innovation, though the vocal performance could use some brushing up here and there. All in all, this is another solid performance, and a succesful mix of intense and dreamlike folk elements. This won’t disappoint you if you were partial to Luís’ earlier work.

Novemthree is back to its highest level since Of My Mother’s Weary Wanderings…, with Pythagumus daring to put in vocal performances again. The varied singing parts on Meandering in Streams of Reflection add just the touch these compositions needed, perfecting a style the has significantly matured the past few years. This EP simply holds more excellent material for lovers of foresty neofolk, including varied instruments, percussion, and voice.

Another great touch are the über-cute buttons issued by Little Somebody to accompany this and other releases. Be sure to get some of those when ordering this split, which is recommended to all neofolk lovers.

Reviewed by O.S.

Tracklist:

Auguries Of Innocence:
1.1 Die Liebe Ist Ein Traum (1:36)
1.2 Nobody’s Fault But Mine (3:05)
1.3 Song Of Innocence (4:36)
1.4 Am I A Butterfly? (1:48)
1.5 Für Das Kleine Mädchen Von Meinen Träumen (2:29)
1.6 Auguries Of Innocence (4:35)
1.7 The Show Is Over (2:50)

Meandering In Streams Of Reflection:
2.1 Reaching The Summit At Nightfall (3:11)
2.2 The First Flowers (4:18)
2.3 We All Must Die (2:57)
2.4 Gathering Wildflowers (1:45)
2.5 How Heavy The Days (4:15)
2.6 Meadow Song (3:09)
2.7 We Choose To Lie Calm (1:19)