THROUGH SHADED WOODS

3.5 stars. While I don't have the previous album "Under The Fragmented Sky"(which is the lowest rated of the bunch on here) this 2020 release is my least favourite of the six studio albums I own by LUNATIC SOUL. Duda the RIVERSIDE frontman is doing it all by himself for the first time which sadly means the INDUKTI drummer is not participating which is a first. I would call this recording a pagan folk album which really isn't my thing. That back cover with the women doing the "Summoning Dance" is part of that of course. The music is pretty much acoustic guitar and Duda's vocals. The latter I never tire of but not being a big folk fan is keeping me from giving this that fourth star. My favourite record from LUNATIC SOUL is 2014's "Walking On A Flashlight Beam".

"Navvie" is the catchy and folky opener at 4 minutes in length. Some energy here as vocals and strummed guitar lead the way. "The Passage" at 9 minutes is more of the same with the vocals and acoustic guitar but we do get some atmosphere and at 5 1/2 minutes it turns surprisingly heavy with organ and more. It does let up after 7 minutes but stays intense. The title track opens and closes with acoustic guitar and atmosphere but I like when the vocals arrive at 2 1/2 minutes along with the bass.

"Oblivion" is another one with some energy with acoustic guitar and percussion sounds. Vocal expression then singing before 2 minutes. "Summoning Dance" is the longest at ten minutes and there's some uplifting moments and such a warm sound at times. I like this one. The closer "The Fountain" is melancholic with acoustic guitar and vocals but both will step aside late for the piano.

Man 2020 was a tough year for me, one of the worst in a long, long time. Sure we got some quality music but no depth of that. I enjoyed this one but it's down the list a ways when it comes to favourites for 2020.