Ode to Marmæle

Kentin Jivek is an upcoming French neofolk artist who has several online releases to his name. Ode to Marmæle is the most recent example, and a fine selection of fourteen tracks. Immediately striking about the album as a whole is the fine production, the [...]]]> Kentin Jivek – Ode to Marmæle [MySpace]

Ode to Marmæle

Kentin Jivek is an upcoming French neofolk artist who has several online releases to his name. Ode to Marmæle is the most recent example, and a fine selection of fourteen tracks. Immediately striking about the album as a whole is the fine production, the diversity of languages, predominantly French, English and Spanish, and a varied, rich, and at times experimental instrumentation and composition. Stylistic staples from neofolk combine excellently with influences from more traditional folk and classical guitar music. Some standout tracks are the almost ambient “Le Moine” which has a beautiful guitar sound and whispered vocals, the rocking “Et Vogue la Verve”, and the dark oriental instrumental “L’Effet Pandemonium”. A point of criticism might be that I’m not fond of the vocals in some places, like “Arsgang” and “Pink Clouds”. For me, the softer vocals in French and Spanish work better. As an album, perhaps Ode to Marmæle also lacks a bit of coherence, but this is compensated for amply by a number of excellent individual tracks. Altogether, we are dealing with an enjoyable album by an upcoming talent in experimental neofolk, and one that manages to blend the feel of different areas of European folk music in a great way.

The Joy of Nature – A Evasão das Fadas [discogs] & The Dream of the Empty Circle [discogs]

A Evasão das Fadas

To fill up the gap between the second and third instalments of The Empty Circle Trilogy, Luís Couto collected some unused material on these two limited releases. A Evasão das Fadas was released on Lurker’s Path, and it contains ten tracks showcasing more of the wonderful dreamy neofolk I have come to expect from the project. As always, various string instruments provide most of the melody, combined with flute, soft percussions and bass, and differing types of vocals. The end result is once more a very unique sound, that retains its links to other alternative folk, but providing a very own original voice. No tracks really stand out as particularly memorable, but together they do form a very pleasant continuum of relaxed song and more ambient moods with experimental and noisy sections. This album doesn’t really offer that much that the main and earlier albums don’t contain, but it is nevertheless a recommended purchase for those who have been following the project actively.

The Dream of the Empty Circle

The same goes for The Dream of the Empty Circle, which is a collection of outtakes from the various recording sessions that somehow didn’t fit into the albums in their final form. The first two tracks are calming psychedelic and dreamy songs, flowing along as the “Lady of the Flowing Waters” and “Lady of the River” in their titles. “Impermanence” has a more experimental sound, with background chanting and slightly distorted violin work, a bit reminiscent of Matt Howden‘s style. Another nice experimental track is “Zrcadlo”, with its noisy, misty guitars and deep percussion. The two following tracks venture into the more melodic and folky territory once more, with “Shadows of Our Ancestors” containing some reworked elements from the second The Empty Circle album. The final two tracks are more ambient and experimental once more, the most prominent and enjoyable elements being some quirky cat samples in the first, and the samples of mediaeval devotional music – I think I hear “Mariam Matrem” there – in the final track. The conclusion here is similar to the one above, some very nice material here that might not be as interesting as one of the regular albums, but surely worth your time if you enjoy The Joy of Nature or experimental ambient and folk in general.

Moongazing Hare - Marehalm [bandcamp]

Marehalm

Marehalm is one of the 2010 releases of Danish experimental folk project Moongazing Hare, led by David Folkmann Drost. Throughout this release, there is a highly varied and pleasant mixture of instrumental ambient and experimental electronica pieces, along with traditional folk songs and some own songwriting as well. The first two tracks fall into the first category, building up atmospheres with layered effects and electronic melodies, and also leaving place for some slightly distorted acoustic instruments and electronic rhythms. After this, we enter psychedelic folk territories with spacey melodies and female vocals courtesy of David’s wife Hiro on “Everything is Holy Brown”. The beautiful “Breathe Again” combines David’s own vocals with the rhythmic electronica heard earlier. The further tracks feature more of David’s beautiful calming vocals, as well as a similar mix of elements as in the first half of the album. Final highlight is a beautiful a capella rendition of “The Snow it Melts the Soonest”, seemingly straight from their living room. Lots to love here for those into experimental folk, and I hope Moongazing Hare will have the opportunity to release some of their material on a physical format. So far the only way to get this album is through bandcamp [see above], though very reasonably priced. I for one will certainly be keeping an eye on this project.

Parhelion - Midnight Sun [discogs]

Midnight Sun

Canadian Parhelion (the scientific term for Sun Dog) is one of the latest additions to the Cyclic Law roster. With that info in mind, it should come as little surprise that the album Midnight Sun is full of dark ambiences and glacial atmospheres. Parhelion combines the standard use of synth pads with waves of droning guitars, not too harsh, but just enough to add very pleasant levels of texture here and there. In general, the aqueous and flowing atmosphere of this album is very pleasant, and there are a couple of tracks that really stand out as beautiful, extended aural journeys, such as “Meditation Over Open Waters”, “A Lament for Whales” and particularly the stunning closing track “Solitude”. As a whole, though, the album can feel a bit long at times, at least to attentively listen to, and it doesn’t really add anything new to a well established style such as this. Beautiful production values and unobtrusive  compositions do make this a very pleasant listen with a couple of definite highlights, but it is only really interesting for the true fans of the Cyclic Law style.

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.

Two Little Somebody labelmates get together on this latest instalment of the double 3″ splits. A perfect packaging once again, [...]]]> 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)

detailed info: discogs.com

This self-released compilation by Portuguese project The Joy of Nature comes in a beautiful handmade packaging, featuring a knit-work sleeve, fish scale flower ornament, and numbered and dedicated liner notes. Every one of [...]]]> artist: The Joy of Nature
release: aGkaanta, asRti, Parasamgate
format: CD-R
year of release: 2008
label: Self-released
duration: 73:20

detailed info: discogs.com

This self-released compilation by Portuguese project The Joy of Nature comes in a beautiful handmade packaging, featuring a knit-work sleeve, fish scale flower ornament, and numbered and dedicated liner notes. Every one of the 100 copies has a different quote in the liner notes, and the thoughts of the recipients of the albums on this quote will be published on a special blog: here. The release itself contains a large number of tracks, spanning 10 years of composition by Luís Couto. There are compilation tracks, side project tracks, and reworked versions.

What is striking about this release is that despite the different origins of the tracks, the sound and atmosphere on the album are quite consistent. I would typify The Joy of Nature as a kind of relaxed Mediterranean neofolk, with an emphasis on a mystical and dreamy atmosphere. A wide variety of instruments is used, including guitars, zithers, harps, piano and other string instruments, synths, percussion, field recordings, and various types of vocals, mostly whispered and sung. The result is a very clear and organic sound that should appeal both to lovers of more conventional neofolk and those who prefer dreamy, wyrd or even fantasy atmospheres. A couple of tracks have a slightly more intense or martial tinge to them, which makes this release a nice change from what I’ve heard on the two The Shepherd’s Tea releases. At times, when listening closely, the album feels a bit long or monotonous, but the atmosphere is constant and quite good, and would be a perfect soundtrack for reading, or a game.

I haven’t been disappointed by this project yet, and I really recommend picking this up if you are into neofolk. This handmade release is perhaps not the cheapest, but a lot of work has been put into it, and you get a unique package that is well worth it. I’m looking forward to more material!

Reviewed by O.S.

Tracklist:

1. The Joy Of Nature – Introdução Aos Bosques Escuros E Aos Teatros Do Mar (2:27)
2. The Joy Of Nature – A Theatre Burning In The Night Sky (5:16)
3. The Joy Of Nature – Enquanto O Rio Corre… (4:57)
4. The Joy Of Nature – The Twilight Of The Old King (3:16)
5. The Joy Of Nature – Um Fogo Na Névoa (4:11)
6. The Joy Of Nature – Uma Noite De Chuva No Jardim Da Ilha Encantada (3:14)
7. The Joy Of Nature – Persona (3:58)
8. The Joy Of Nature – The Book Of The Dead (3:17)
9. Post Crash High – The Order Behind And Beyond All Things (5:08)
10. The Joy Of Nature – Fire Only Rests When There’s Nothing Left To Burn (5:28)
11. The Joy Of Nature vs Aquarelle – Fantasmas E Duendes Costumavam Dormir No Meu Sofá, A Altas Horas Da Noite. E Voltarão A Fazê-lo (4:03)
12. The Joy Of Nature vs Aquarelle – O Embalo Das Sereias (1:29)
13. Post Crash High – The World Is Burning, So Let Us Waltz (4:42)
14. The Joy Of Nature And Discipline – A Lament For This Cursed Age (2:51)
15. The Joy Of Nature vs Post Crash High – The ‘Glorious’ Modern Civilization Is Falling (3:52)
16. The Joy Of Nature And Discipline – Spirals (1:41)
17. The Joy Of Nature vs Aquarelle – Boliana (2:27)
18. The Joy Of Nature vs Aquarelle – Fechando A Caixa Das Memórias (3:01)
19. The Joy Of Nature – Ecos Que Mostram O Círculo (4:03)
20. The Joy Of Nature – Agora Que Sabemos O Que Faltava (2:23)
21. The Joy Of Nature – De Regresso Aos Bosques, A Outros Bosques (2:18)

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)