For this second release as The Woodwards, Dutch-born former
New York-based artist Peter Schuyff is joined by British (female) Stevie Guy on
what is by any measure a highly accomplished album of dark Americana. Treading
terrain more recognisably the preserve of Howie Gelb, Cowboy Junkies and the
Bon Iver, the eleven numbers presented here showcase the twisted heart of
country music every bit as effectively as their peers.
The mood set by creepy opener ‘The Wood’ rarely quickens its
step thereafter; but while there’s little urgency of pace, the tension, here
aplenty in this collection of menacing modern day folk tales, doesn’t slacken
either. The laconic story telling of the principles is sensitively augmented by
subtle and respectful production, courtesy of Attie Bauw, and sparse but well-judged
support on guitar and drum from Maarten van der Grinten and Boudewijn Bauw respectively.
Given the popular disdain for CD packaging generally an
honourable mention is due for the clever outsized ‘book of matches’ design that
houses the collection with pleasing aesthetic effect.
Neil B.
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