MUSIC FOR WITCHES AND ALCHEMISTS

For my first review here, I decided to give the time to a record that has become very special and important to me. An album that sometimes brings your mood down, and then raises it over and over again.

I bought the vinyl LP copy of this album from Greg Walker's Syn-phonic store, and to be honest, I thought I was taking a bit of a chance. It seemed to be referred to as a psych-folk or prog-folk album, and in the past I've found that can really go either way. They can be very fascinating, or quite dull and samey. So I didn't have a lot of high hopes for this album. It didn't take me long to realise how special it really was.

While it could still be somewhat considered folk, the music on this album is surrounded by a wide range of instruments that help create a very sombre, near gothic ambience. While some of it sounds to me to have a medieval flavour, it's married with feedback and an interesting combination of instruments, including electric guitar, that makes it sound quite modern too.

Margie Wienk's wonderful voice is very reflective, both mournful and joyous, often within the one song. Take particular notice of the middle section of one of the standout tracks `Shingle River' - brings tears to my eyes.

The repetitive and hypnotic `Marble Grey' and `Murder Of Crows' are two beautifully dark and solemn tracks, also both highlights.

The lyrics are very personal and reflective, occasionally working in the way that perhaps No-Man words do? They may remind you of quiet moments in your life, relationships you've been in, people that you've known.

Extra special mention must go to the wonderful accordion and cello playing on the album. They both add so much to the somewhat gloomy atmosphere.

Highly recommended. The sort of album to really treasure, to come back to over and over. Make sure you grab the beautiful hand-silk screened vinyl copy for something even more special.