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Many traditional songs center on instances of change between different realms or roles, teeming with unique wonder and potential. Kerry Andrew, a composer and writer, presents their third album as You Are Wolf, which joyfully commemorates these metamorphic encounters. Their inspiration stems from their personal struggles with chronic illness and their realization of being non-binary.
The potential of this music is presented through approachable and aesthetically pleasing compositions, even as Andrew’s dedication to trying new things adds a spark of energy. In the first song, “Reynardine,” a well-known ballad about a woman enchanted by a werefox, Andrew’s smooth vocals blend with the simple, plucked strings in a radio-friendly manner. However, as the lyrics slow down and the distortion increases (with phrases like “the fox’s teeth did brightly shine”), the listener is taken by surprise. It’s as if a trick has been played, with the track initially lulling the listener in before revealing something more unexpected.
The album’s overall tone is established by the first track, Hare Song 1, which features the lyrics “you will find me on the brink of breath / You will find me at the center of passion, overcoming death.” In the song Twa Magicians, propelled by the kalimba, the focus shifts from a woman transforming to evade a male pursuer to two women exchanging roles – one as a griddle and the other as a cake, then one as a moorland and the other as the heather growing on it. The track also incorporates a playful prepared piano loop and explores themes of coercion and consent.
There are many excellent examples to be found, such as the 1969 recording of six girls singing a haunting playground song at the Irish Traditional Music Archive, and the sounds of birds on the track “The Trees in the Wood,” a duet with Ben See that explores the concept of life growing in nature. With additional vocals from Sam Lee and lyrics from Robert Macfarlane (including a drone from Andrew’s radiator on “Blue Men”), this album is filled with both potential for crossover success and a dynamic energy.
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The artist’s 1978 private press recording, Waillee Waillee (Palto Flats), has been reissued with accompanying writings, drawings, and dedications from friends. This reissue showcases a mix of original songs and traditional pieces, brought to life by the use of trembling zithers and psalteries. Another stunning display of instrumental beauty is found in the Norwegian/Finnish collaboration Talende Strenger/Kertovat Kielet (Taragot Sounds), which translates to Talking Strings. The kantele, a type of Baltic box zither played by Syrjälä, blends beautifully with Knudsen’s bowed Hardanger fiddle, resulting in a uniquely festive sound. Additionally, seasonal delights can be found in Wesselbobs by Bryony Griffith and Alice Jones. This collection of West Yorkshire winter songs is named after a decorated evergreen traditionally carried by local wassailers. The pair delivers broadside ballads, local poems, and dances with the same warmth as a jug of mulled wine.
Source: theguardian.com
