IN GOWAN RING - 'Hazel Steps Through A Weathered Home' CD (Shayo)
"In a time when the world is moving much too fast, B'Eirth not only takes the time to stop and smell the roses, he's kneeling down to plant the seeds, and squatting Buddha-like to watch those roses grow" (Jeff Penczak). Out of time even at its time of release (2002, Bluesanct), this is one of the all time classic esoteric folk albums. Guest appearances by Michael Moynihan and Annabel Lee (Blood Axis). File next to Nick Drake, Current 93 etc. Digipak.
From medieval to renaissance, from Nick Drake to a later, quieter Current 93, this is In Gowan Ring's second album, originally released in 1997 (World Serpent), now entirely re-worked with a much better design and brilliantly remastered by Denis Blackham. Additionally, the beautiful song "Still Water Bone" (which also appeared in 1997 on the 'Terra Serpentes' compilation) has been included as a bonus track! Digipak.
MARTYN BATES - 'Mystery Seas (Letters Written #2)' CD (Shayo)
"Mystery Seas" (originaly released in 1995 on A-Scale Recordings and now entirely remastered) is the second of Martyn Bates' (Eyeless In Gaza) "Letters Written" series. On this album he sets his songs into organ based backings, going roght back to the drones of traditional song and more than this, to church music. It's an intensive sound which would appeal to fans of traditional folk and electronic music fans all at once. There is a dream state built up from these songs of drifting minimal chords and layers of vocals. What could sound sparse, sounds full and balanced. Digipak.
SALLY DOHERTY & THE SUMACS - 'Edge Of Spring: A Collection Of Songs (1995 - 2005)' CD (Shayo)
"The Edge of Spring" is a collection of 17 songs by Sally Doherty - a "best of" spanning the years 1995 - 2005, with 3 previously unreleased tracks. Doherty is a Sheffield-based artist, who has worked in the past with dark folk acts Sieben and Sol Invictus, amongst others. With her warm, angelic and intimate voice, soaring and operatic at times, and accompanied by a variety of instruments from gentle piano to baroque string ensembles to Spanish guitar and percussion, Sally Doherty is one of the most outstanding singer / songwriters and will appeal to anybody who enjoys the music of Kate Bush, Lhasa or Antony and the Johnsons. The CD comes in a deluxe digipak. Swiss import.
