Devil's Gate Music
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We’re told that the ancient gods have ceased to exist, but deep in the woodland and valleys I hear music.” In terms of statements of intent, that might seem a bit of an obtuse one, but for Hexvessel’s fourth full-length, it’s one of the few ways to put the spirit of this pastoral folk gem into words. Though it may be being billed as a successor to 2016’s ‘When We Are Death’, ‘All Tree’ feels much closer in spirit to the sombre disquiet of their debut; stripping back the psychedelic and post-folk flourishes to deliver a more straightforward folk collection that wouldn’t sound out of place being jammed in Summerisle’s Green Man Inn. This may be in part due to the return of co-writer Andrew ‘Aort’ McIvor to the fold, but when the increased complexity of what has gone since is factored in, it makes for a listen that’s as intriguing as it is enchanting. The exultant vocal harmonics of ‘Blessing’ introduces us to a collection of folk ballads that echo everything from Soft Machine to Sabbath Assembly, opting for dreamy melodies and the naturally soothing timbre of Mat McNerney’s voice to weave songs that possess something tangibly magical. Though a few modern strains still sneak in, like an Opeth-worthy solo that breaks up ‘Son Of The Sky,’ the album predominately focuses on the centuries-old folk traditions of England and Ireland to tell tall tales of changelings and woodland sprites, adopting simple string arrangements and gently fingerpicked compositions to inject uneasy mystery. At its darkest, there are hints of McNerney and McIvor’s time in Code, ‘Vision of A.O.S.’ and ‘Otherworld Envoy’ both swirling and swaying with the unsteady totter of an opium fiend, while ‘Wilderness Spirit’ adopts an opposing approach, its jaunty pace and air of campfire revelry cutting through the gloom. This split creates a subtle eclecticism akin to the change of the seasons or of a landscape slowly transforming on a long journey, but there’s a certain cohesion that runs through these 13 cuts reflected in its soul. It’s an old spirit that resides in these songs, one that celebrates the musical lineage of its players as much as those of the Celtic nations, and it makes for the most remarkable album yet from a collective who never fail to surprise. Available 15th February, pre-order details here. Review: Dave Bowes]]>
