Nature and folklore are the immediate connotations from the album cover of the eponymous debut release from folk trio The Wilderness Yet. A deduction that unravels to be fairly accurate as you drift through a near hour collaboration of intent at the highest calibre. A highly talented trio of Rosie Hodgson, Rowan Piggott and Philippe Barnes have put solo projects on one side to focus on this pot pourri of original, traditional and adaptive songs and tunes. Geographical influence comes from England, Ireland and Sweden as we are taken on a fascinating trail of musical exploration with a purpose.
This 12-track album (extending to 13 when the format moves from digital to physical with the addition of a concluding Irish piece) will thrill the core folk fraternity with its acutely crafted blueprint feel and no doubt derive some interpretive comparisons from the aficionado clique. For outsiders it comes across as an educative treat with so many factions drawing together to load, aim and fire an environmental arrow into the heart of an urban-centric world.
There is the usual array of original songs headed by album opener 'Beauties of Autumn', traditional tales such as 'A Bruton Farmer' (also doubling up as the essential murder ballad) and tune medleys on the two occasions Piggott and Barnes interchange the delights of their chosen instruments of fiddle and flute respectively. For further information on all the tracks there is an excellent link to the band's website where you will get suitably furnished with the finer details.
The vocal landscape is predominately owned by the classical tones of Hodgson who skilfully manoeuvres her pitch in line with the mood of each song, without doubt meeting full approval from a purist perspective. The themes of the record aim to reverse the trend of an increasingly neglected natural world and when such aims are presented in an elegant and graceful manner, then reception of the message is a more palatable experience.
The Wilderness Yet (the band and the record) hits the mark of 'A' grade folk and its dutiful nod to tradition and scope re-enforces the notion of music as both respectful and reactionary. A body of work defined by its beauty.
The album is available on Bandcamp, which is ideal for digital consumption and physical purchase. A platform fast becoming a preferred route for artist engagement especially in this age of enforced remote distancing.
