CDr Cover

artist: novemthree release: “From These Ashes..” format: 7″ + CDr year of release: 2010 label: Midnight duration: 11:46 + 35:51

detailed info: discogs.com

After a couple of split release with Arrowwood and The Joy of Nature, Pythagumus of novemthree is back this year with a new single. “From Theses [...]]]>

7" Cover

CDr Cover

artist: novemthree
release: “From These Ashes..”
format: 7″ + CDr
year of release: 2010
label: Midnight
duration: 11:46 + 35:51

detailed info: discogs.com

After a couple of split release with Arrowwood and The Joy of Nature, Pythagumus of novemthree is back this year with a new single. “From Theses Ashes..” is released on 7″ by the Chinese label Midnight, and features two new songs.

“Ashes”, the A-side, is a moody neofolk track slowly starting over a crackling fire, and it deals with overcoming shame on account of one’s family’s past. The wilful lyrics combine superbly with the layered traditional neofolk music of guitar, flute, and percussion.

The flip-side, “Cloister Garden”, is an exploratory pastoral track, purely instrumental, a style that has been mastered by Pythagumus throughout the years, and always good for a thoroughly relaxing listen.

If you opt for the limited edition of this single, which I wholeheartedly recommend, you’re rewarded with an extra CDr containing eight more unreleased tracks, both instrumental and vocal; altogether a nice archival addition to this 7″. The 7″ itself also comes on clear green vinyl in its limited guise, as well as with a patch and buttons, lovingly designed and made. As always, novemthree is a good bet when you are craving for calming and involving neofolk with a natural and even sylvan atmosphere.

Reviewed by O.S.

Tracklist:

A. Ashes (5:57)
B. Cloister Garden (5:49)

1. Ashes (6:04)
2. Cloister Garden (5:50)
3. Within the Candlelit Chamber (1:54)
4. Meandering (1:30)
5. The Hidden Grotto (3:48)
6. Owlet (1:59)
7. Meadow Song (the fawn and the cedar) (3:37)
8. The Black Forest (2:46)
9. Magpie Upon a Mossy Stem (2:52)
10. Blood Red Bird (5:31)

Cloudscape #5: August 2010 by Evening Of Light on Mixcloud

Playlist with starting times in parentheses:

1. (00:00) novemthree – Ashes from: From These Ashes (2010)

2. (05:55) Nihil Project – Weaving Wheat from: Plough Plays (2006)

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

The latest on Little Somebody Records is a cute little double 3″ split between Arrowwood (Chelsea Robb) and novemthree (Pythagumus Marshall). Like I’ve come to expect, the housing is excellent: the discs are [...]]]> artist: Arrowwood / novemthree
release: Split
format: 2x 3″ CD-R
year of release: 2007
label: Little Somebody
duration: 38:23

detailed info: discogs.com

The latest on Little Somebody Records is a cute little double 3″ split between Arrowwood (Chelsea Robb) and novemthree (Pythagumus Marshall). Like I’ve come to expect, the housing is excellent: the discs are in a pretty handmade gatefold, lined with fabric on the inside. The music is also quite OK, because we get some fine dark foresty folk tunes from both artists.

Arrowwood plays a kind of neofolk, based on dark melancholic guitar and banjo melodies, combined with touches such as bells, glockenspiel, and flute. Chelsea’s voice is remarkable: a sort of girlish fairy voice, which contrasts quite strongly with the sometimes dark and horrid lyrics. On her side of the split, we get a solid collection of short songs, which may not be the most original or varied, but definitely atmospheric.

Novemthree‘s music, as some readers of our mag may know, is relatively similar, except of course for Pythagumus’ voice, and a greater emphasis on percussion. This side of the split features again a nice selection of tracks. “Scythe to the Grass” is a reworked version of the track that appeared on the downloadable part of the John Barleycorn Reborn compilation. “Stones of Blood”, like the others, is a new track, featuring hummed vocals and skin drum (bongo-like) percussion. In general, I think these tracks are on the level of those on of my mother’s weary wandering, although I miss an actual song with sung lyrics. The closing track, “Vespers”, makes up for that, however; it’s a brilliant melancholic instrumental with excellent piano work by guest artist Kelly Wise.

In short, this is another nice release from this label, with atmospheric nature-inspired folk tunes, and a great layout. If you liked what came before on the label, this won’t disappoint you, but even if you’re not familiar with the label yet, you might want to check this out if you are into dark and foresty folk atmospheres.

Reviewed by O.S.

Tracklist:

Arrowwood:
1. Hawthorne Wheel (1:07)
2. Funeral Lullaby (2:10)
3. Bells in an Old Forest (2:04)
4. With My Heart in My Head Like One Eye (3:30)
5. Rising Hill (2:09)
6. Hockwold (2:01)
7. Winged Sirens (0:57)
8. Mountain Water Reprise (3:00)

novemthree:
9. Scythe to the Grass (reworked) (3:07)
10. Stones of Blood (2:33)
11. Beneath the Hemlock, Within the Grove (3:49)
12. Winding Away Through the Thicket (2:16)
13. To Breathe in the Trees (5:50)
14. Vespers (3:50)

detailed info: discogs.com

Where to begin with an absolutely massive compilation like this? Well, it all started with Mark Coyle’s Woven Wheat Whispers label, which started in late 2005. [...]]]> artist: V.A.
release: John Barleycorn Reborn : Dark Britannica
format: 2CD + MP3
year of release: 2007
label: Cold Spring & Woven Wheat Whispers
duration: 5:08:16

detailed info: discogs.com

Where to begin with an absolutely massive compilation like this? Well, it all started with Mark Coyle’s Woven Wheat Whispers label, which started in late 2005. Since then, he has managed to gather an impressive number of artists to his MP3-only label, covering the broad area of underground modern folk music, ranging from traditional to folk rock, from neofolk to psychedelic folk, from mediaeval to pagan folk. Hundreds of albums have been (re-)released, and the scope of the label has become huge. All the more reason why an overview compilation like this one is very welcome. Not only does the first edition of the John Barleycorn Reborn series contain a host of great artists, this is only the tip of the iceberg, for as the subtitle gives away, only English artists have been featured on this album (with the unforeseen exception of novemthree). More editions are to come, which will contain American artists, other European countries, and who knows what else?

But, let’s focus on this one first. In collaboration with English neofolk/post-industrial label Cold Spring, Woven Wheat Whispers has released the main part of the compilation on a fine 2CD set, contain well over two and a half hours of music. But, a WWW release wouldn’t be complete without some free stuff. In this case, this means a huge MP3 supplement, freely downloadable if you’ve bought the CDs. It contains a further two and a half hours of music, making the total running time of the set over five hours – now there’s value for money.

But, the value is not only in quantity, but also in quality, as there are so many great artists from various subareas of the folk world featured on this compilation. Even more so here than anywhere else, it would be a fool’s errand to try and give an in-depth review of every track. As it as, I’ll try and pick out the highlights, while giving a taste of the diversity contained in here at the same time. Of course, this compilation wouldn’t be complete without renditions of the traditional song that gave it its name: “John Barleycorn”. Both CDs start with a version of this classic, and The Horses of the Gods and The Anvil both pull it off convincingly and originally. Other traditionals also feature on the album, such as “Lay the Bent to the Bonny Broom” by Charlotte Greig and Johan Asherton, who deliver a long, intimate rendition of this cruel ballad. Clive Powell‘s “Reed Sodger” is based on various pieces of traditional rhyme, and features Clive’s unique voice over subtle electronics. The omnipresent (but rarely dull) “Twa Corbies” is here executed by pyschedelic folkrockers Mary Jane, who turn this track into a quite funky affair. “Pew Pew” is a Scottish traditional text, here set to harp and recorder by Quickthorn, featuring the vocals of Prydwyn. But, one of my absolute favourites has to be Venereum Arvum‘s version of “Child 102″, the ballad of the birth of Robin Hood. Sean and Rachel’s vocals soar in unison above subtle accompaniment, letting the beauty of the melody speak for itself convincingly.

Also the non-traditional tracks contain some great stuff. The English division of neofolk can’t be left out here, of course, and least of all Tony Wakeford‘s Sol Invictus, who come with a brand new track, representative of the band’s recent experimental direction. This is equally true of The Triple Tree, where Tony collaborates with Andrew King. “Three Crowns” is a dark track combining acoustic soundscapes with obscure folkloric themes (in this case from an M.R. James story). Andrew King solo is a guarantee for traditional song delivered with conviction, and based on proper research, and his version of “Dives and Lazarus” is no exception. This is a re-recorded version of the track which originally appeared on the split with Changes. Matt Howden‘s Sieben is also featured with a remix of a track from Ogham Inside the Night; a fine example of his original violin ‘n’ vocals approach to folky modern song. Finally, there’s While Angels Watch, with a not totally convincing track, which nevertheless has a very nice atmosphere and development.

But there’s so much more going on here I just have to mention. Damh the Bard delivers a rousing piece of pagan folk on “Spirit of Albion”. The Kitchen Cynics‘ “The Guidman’s Ground” is a song based on spacy guitar, accompanied by subtle vocals telling a rather dark folk narrative. “Summerhouse” by The A. Lords is a wonderfully serene piece of pastoral music, based on guitar, organ, and field recordings. The ever impressive Sharron Kraus comes with the very nice little “Horn Dance”. More esoteric things are happening with Alphane Moon, who offer a brilliant mix of semi-gregorian singing and the mystic acoustic sounds we’ve come to expect from these people at Oggum Records. Even more occult is English Heretic, of course, as always exploring obscure folkloric subjects, and presenting the results in the form of experimental music, here with electric guitar freakiness, wild vocals, drums, and samples. “Stained Glass Morning” by Sand Snowman is a great piece of psychedelic folk, combining superb acoustic guitar melodies with soothing female vocals.

And that was just the first 2CD part of the collection! If you get this album, be sure to get the free MP3 download as well, because there are quite some hidden gems in there as well. Of course, no time to mention them all, but here’s the ones that stuck with me most. First of all, Far Black Furlong present a wonderful epilogue (again with great oboe work) to the already excellent The East Room album, also on Woven Wheat Whispers. Odd one out is American novemthree, who nevertheless brings two convincing instrumental track of his foresty folk with nice percussion. Alan Trench and Martyn Bates‘ Twelve Thousand Days presents “Thistles”, a wonderful track from their 2006 album From the Walled Garden. Other work of Trench’s is also featured, with nice tracks by Orchis and Cunnan. Paul Newman‘s “Lavondyss” is a very good melancholic track on vocals and acoustic guitar. We also get a very nice selection of tunes from some of England’s finest mediaeval artists, such as The Daughters of Elvin and Steve Tyler. Best of all is Misericordia‘s “De Poni Amor A Me”, a superb song based on hammered dulcimer, hurdy-gurdy, and bagpipes.

I haven’t mentioned all, of course, and this is not the place for an even more in-depth approach. It doesn’t mean the unmentioned tracks aren’t good or interesting, of course, because this compilation has a very consistent quality level. What’s also not mentioned yet is that in addition to a load of great music, John Barleycorn Reborn also has a very firm folkloric concept. A selection of artists, as well as project initiator Mark Coyle have written short contributions in the booklet, to clarify their feeling towards this compilation, and towards the new folk revival that is being documented by it. For I believe a revival is a correct term. Folk music and lore has served as an inspiration to many artists over the past two decades or so, John Barleycorn Reborn is one of the first to provide an overview of at least a part of this area of music so full of original approaches. I firmly believe that this set and its followers will serve as a monument to this revival, and I imagine myself looking back to this in a couple of decades with a sense of nostalgia. I commend Woven Wheat Whispers and Cold Spring for putting this together for us, and I’m looking forward to the followups. Anyone who wants to know what’s happening in underground folk music these days should absolutely get this treasure trove! Even for those who knew many of the artists already, there is loads to discover.

Reviewed by O.S.

Tracklist:

Part 1: Birth:

1. The Horses Of The Gods – John Barleycorn (3:56)
2. The Owl Service – North Country Maid (2:39)
3. The Story – The Wicker Man (2:30)
4. Damh The Bard – Spirit of Albion (4:15)
5. Mary Jane – Twa Corbies (5:13)
6. Andrew King – Dives and Lazarus (6:29)
7. The Triple Tree – Three Crowns (5:37)
8. Sol Invictus – To Kill All Kings (5:55)
9. Sieben – Ogham On The Hill (Remix) (4:03)
10. Sharron Kraus – Horn Dance (3:30)
11. Charlotte Greig And Johan Asherton – Lay The Bent To The Bonny Broom (7:54)
12. Pumajaw – The Burning Of Auchindoun (5:43)
13. Peter Ulrich – The Scryer & The Shewstone (5:06)
14. Alphane Moon – Where The Hazel Grows (4:30)
15. English Heretic – Hippomania (6:50)
16. Far Black Furlong – Icy Solstice Eye (3:28)

Part 2: Death:

1. The Anvil – John Barleycorn Must Die (4:37)
2. Tinkerscuss – To Make You Stay (2:55)
3. The Straw Bear Band – Trial By Bread & Butter (3:37)
4. Electronic Voice Phenomena – The Sorrow Of Rimmon (3:56)
5. The Purple Minds Of Lazeron – Dragonfly (4:21)
6. Sand Snowman – Stained Glass Morning (5:56)
7. The A. Lords – Summerhouse (5:11)
8. The Kitchen Cynics – The Guidman’s Ground (4:18)
9. Quickthorn – Pew Pew (2:32)
10. Clive Powell – Reed Sodger (4:19)
11. Venereum Arvum – Child 102: Willie and Earl Richard’s Daughter (aka The Birth of Robin Hood) (7:33)
12. Drohne – Nottamun Town (6:55)
13. Stormcrow – Gargoyle (6:16)
14. Doug Peters – Pact (4:21)
15. While Angels Watch – Obsidian Blade (5:07)
16. Xenis Emputae Travelling Band – John Barleycorn: His Life, Death And Resurrection (4:52)
17. Martyn Bates – The Resurrection Apprentice (2:42)

Part 3: Rebirth:

1. Magpiety – The Rolling Of The Stones (2:05)
2. The Story – All Hallow’s Eve (5:07)
3. Telling The Bees – Wood (4:44)
4. David A Jaycock – Bonny Jaycock Turner (2:46)
5. Yealand Redmayne – Oh My Boy, My Bonny Boy (3:49)
6. Charlotte Greig and Johan Asherton – The Bold Fisherman (4:37)
7. Steve Tyler – Tierceron (4:02)
8. The Wendigo – The Wendigo (6:32)
9. The Owl Service – Wake the Vaulted Echo [Tigon Mix] (4:52)
10. Far Black Furlong – The East Room V (3:35)
11. Xenis Emputae Travelling Band – Brightening Dew (3:14)
12. Sedayne – Corvus Monedula (4:05)
13. The Straw Bear Band – Bear Ghost (5:08)
14. Novemthree – Scythe to the Grass (2:33)
15. Paul Newman – Lavondyss (4:59)
16. James Reid – Kingfisher Blue (5:17)
17. JefvTaon – (Digging The) Midnight Silver (4:24)
18. Wooden Spoon – Children’s Soul (1:49)
19. Big Eyes Family Players – A Dream of Fires (3:20)
20. Sundog – Kilpeck June 2007 (4:15)
21. Clive Powell – Ca The Horse, Me Marra (11:14)
22. Mac Henderson of Grand Union Morris – Jack In The Green (2:41)
23. Cunnan – Seven Sleeps, Seven Sorrows (11:58)
24. Orchis – The Silkie (3:46)
25. Twelve Thousand Days – Thistles (5:30)
26. Novemthree – Harvest Dance (2:32)
27. James Reid – Elder (3:51)
28. Mary Jane – When I Was In My Prime (5:06)
29. The Daughters of Elvin – Ognor Mi Trovo (3:19)
30. Misericordia – De Poni Amor A Me (6:15)
31. Venereum Arvum – Child 102 (lily flower mix) (7:54)
32. The Anvil – John Barleycorn Must Live (5:39)
33. The Sunshine People – The Old Way (1:07)