Formats
VHF122 - LP
783881012217VHF122CD - CD
783881012224
Details
Castings is the third VHF release of lovely psych/folk by East Coast quartet Fern Knight, written, arranged and performed with their trademark quality and verve. Somewhat less fastidious than 2008's exquisitely arranged Fern Knight CD, Castings has a warm, analog feel, with looser and louder performances. Led as always by Margaret Ayre's voice, guitar and cello, the group stretches out on rockier fare like "The Poisoner," growling with fuzz, while leaving plenty of room for softer moments of beautiful clarity. There are "jammy" moments here, but everything is expertly sized and placed, with not a moment wasted on doodles. The centerpiece of Castings is Fern Knight's treatment of the epic King Crimson doom classic "Epitaph." Trading their own cello and violin for the original's signature mellotron, the group channels the vibe of the original while making it their own. Ayre's cool and understated vocal plays it straight where less assured players and performers would make a bombastic mess. As on the self-titled CD, Jesse Sparhawk's harp and James Wolf's violin provide the heart of the sound, allowing the band to mold classic genre forms into a unique, singular style. ? Latest full-length from Washington, DC / Philadelphia psych / folk quartet ? Strong third album ushers in a new, less fussy, warmer, proggy sound ? Includes King Crimson cover
Tracks
1. From Zero to Infinity
2. The Poisoner
3. Pentacles
4. Long Dark Century
5. Cave of Swords
6. Cups + Wands
7. The Eye of the Queen
8. Epitaph
9. Crumbling Stairs
Press
Press in WIRE, Uncut. More TBC