From its solid base and creative outreach, this second album
by UK singing-song writing musician M.G. Boulter makes a sturdy case to embed
itself in your DNA. WITH WOLVES THE LAMB WILL LIE is not just abstract in its
title and requires a curious ear, but is coated in a magnetic appeal to lure
those not put off by its lack of melodic anthems. Boulter utilises the tools
and help at his disposal well to construct a record conducive with the effect
of what we have come to recognise from the UK’s folk/Americana/indie scene. Sincere
writing, an experimental roots-driven sound and a creation designed for
longevity, all define a record ready to reward the hard yards.
Thematically, the album surfaces as a character study with
four of the opening five tracks all introducing the narrator and their casual
acquaintances. The pick of these could be the indecisive ‘Sean or Patrick’ which leads off, closely followed by the twist in ‘His Name is Jean’ and the brace of
characters revealed in ‘Carmel Oakes’ and ‘Lalita’.
However the anchor track of the album’s second half probably shades the lot
with a hint of twang enhancing the enticing acoustic-led ‘Someday the Waves’.
Boulter’s purposeful vocals match the mood of the record and
help keep the production together especially when the listener’s attention is
slightly strained in the album’s latter stages. However like that fine full
bodied red wine that needs a little post-uncorked breathing time, this record
does mature upon each listen and proceeds to grow a warm coat of moving
tendencies. There is no denying that its tenure will cleanse your mind over
time implanting its genuine qualities in a thoughtful and hypnotic way.
The mellow status of the album gets proverbially lower in
the final stages especially when strains of sombre cello kick in. The twin
concluding pair of ‘Love Trees’ and ‘Let Night In’ usher in the record’s closure
with a marvellous haunting finale, marrying some gorgeous harmonies and
rewarding the listener for perhaps hanging in there in places.
