Nickie’s Niches #37: January 2025

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1. 

   The Witchfinder

   by Peter Lawson
   favorite track

   Saint Vitus Dance

   Peter Lawson “The Witchfinder” Peter Lawson returns with a concept release, a true story, focusing on two Englishmen in the mid-1500s. They traveled throughout the country and sought out women to proclaim them as witches and have them hung, often after torturing them. Peter perfectly captures the horror of these witch trials, utilizing his signature soaring guitar work, as well as bass, keyboards, mandolin, bodhran and even some vocals.

   1. 

      An Chailleach

      by Joy Shannon
      favorite track

      Leaving (feat. Leila Abdul-Rauf)

      Joy Shannon collaborates with several fine dark and pagan folk and folk metal band members to present this dark, enchanting gem. The title refers to the Irish crone or elder goddess, and they are surely going to be summoned by this ethereal collection of tunes.

      1. 

         The Scattering of Leaves

         by Checking For Echo Project
         favorite track

         Stormy Clouds or Brightly Lit

         Jon Farley has assembled quite the group of talented friends from the indie progressive field to assist on this release. As evidenced by the title, it is Autumnal in flavour, with a sense of taking stock of what has passed. The proceeds go to two cancer charities. He has several fine vocalists guesting, but my favourite pick goes to Charlie Bramald’s exquisite handling of the pensive Stormy Clouds or Brightly Lit.

         1. 

            Midwinters Garrote

            by Travellers Rest
            favorite track

            Return of the Sun

            Multi-Instrumentalist and composer Nick Wusz has created a lovely winter-themed collection of music. All original dark folk synth tracks, with the exception of a cover of Lady Greene Sleves within one of the tracks. At times grandly majestic and whimsical, best heard from start to finish

            1. 

               Stitch

               by Exploring Birdsong
               Another single from this band with no guitars (except bass). Lynsey Ward’s vocal is superb, and she also plays piano, joined by Jonny Knight on bass and keyboards, with Matt Harrison adeptly providing drums. Three and a half minutes of perfection. More, please.

               1. 

                  American Railroad

                  by Silkroad Ensemble, Rhiannon Giddens
                  favorite track

                  Rainy Day (feat. Wu Man)

                  Founded by Yo-Yo Man, Rhiannon Gidden is presently the Artistic Director of this ensemble. Here, they explore the cultural connections created by the founding of the American Railroad. They include songs representative of the many communities that worked on making the railroad system a reality, including Chinese, Japanese, and African Americans.

                  1. 

                     Mourning Dove

                     by Sonus Umbra
                     A gorgeous tribute single from the remarkable Sonus Umbra. All proceeds go to a non-profit animal shelter, which is run by the aunt of a young man who died all too soon. Beginning with the call of a Mourning Dove, it moves into a piano elegy, then flute, bass, drums, keyboards and guitars, followed by a ghostly vocal. Haunting and mournful, indeed, it is a beautiful tribute.

                     

                     Blanco White “On the Other Side” This is the debut album from British singer/songwriter Josh Edwards. This has a delicacy and dreaminess, and pulls influences from all over the world, literally, as Edwards has extensively traveled to study music. You will hear sounds of Spain, Africa, South America, and even Oriental flavours. His phantasmagorical voice is perfectly suited to the evocative lyrics. Favourite Track: All That Matters (4:12)

                     1. 

                        Return To Winterstead

                        by Guild Of Lore
                        favorite track

                        The Shiverbraid Inn

                        Guild of Lore is the brainchild of a singular composer, who seemingly resides in Visalia, CA. This is folk/dungeon/darkwave synth music, meant to accompany gamers on their fantasy quests. The music suits medieval/fantasy, and works perfectly well with reading historical fiction, as well as deep listening.

                        1. 

                           Falling Mirages

                           by Jonathan Hultén
                           Here is the second teaser single for this upcoming 2025 release, “Eyes of the Living Night.” This music just oozes melancholy, with Hultén’s stunning voice backed by acoustic guitar and synthesized bell-like music. Utterly enchanting.

                           1. 

                              TAROT part II

                              by Magick Brother & Mystic Sister
                              favorite track

                              The Temperance

                              This wonderfully lysergic duo from Barcelona return with the second part of their ambitious take on the Major Arcana of Tarot cards. As in the first, they utilize effected vocals, piano, synths, organ, mellotron, guitars, bass, flute and drums to achieve their particularly psych/dream/folk/space flavoured concoction.