The Wilderness Yet is an eponymous work from a Sheffield-based outfit of the same name comprising Rosie Hodgson ,Rowan Piggott and Philippe Bourne. It is a new departure for all three musicians and although they have broad experience elsewhere, this is a debut album. Potentially they are one of many duos or trios with a similar sound, in a competitive market place. Even more so since Lockdown. With "live" public performance currently limited to the point of non existence,TWY will be judged on social media and/or recorded output. The good news is they are distinctive enough to stick in the memory and the album merits a second (and a third) listening.
It's a nice sound with plenty of style and originality. Some bands take several attempts to achieve this enviable level of performance. TWY manage it on a first release. Going deeper into their background,this comes as no surprise. Although a new venture despite all three being comparatively young they are well versed in this sort of material having had plenty of experience solo and in other outfits. Already old hands at gigs and festivals,their pedigree shines through.
Musically,all three can handle lead vocals and their harmonies are well arranged. Rosie is yet more talent from Sussex (Bird In The Belly:Mike Reinstein:Hickory Signals and Green Ribbons). She writes some of the material and her sibilant voice is in great evidence. It is one of those crystal clear quintessentially English voices,clearly enunciated and emotionally phrased. Rowanalso writes lyrics and adds fiddle,viola double bass whilst Bourne contributes whistle,guitar and flute. The recording is further bulked out by Evan Carson (Bodhran),and vocals from Charlie Piggott (button accordion) and Johnny McDonagh (bodhran),both of De Dannan.
The Wilderness Yet take their name from a Graham Manley Hopkins poem. The twelve tracks are mostly original material but are written in a traditional context. The atmosphere and content are both ethereal and metaphysical. They have a real aptitude for songwriting,evidently putting a lot of effort into it .They show a critical understanding of what constitutes traditional folk. There are tune sets as well as songs making it a rounded listening experience. The overall tone is of loving Nature,wild life and growing things.
They acknowledge the influences of Terry Pratchett, Eric Bogle Pete Lyons and Ben Paley and there are Nordic and Celtic strands woven into the composite sound.
The CD comes in a triple gatefold watch case with a picture disc. There is wonderfully sylvan/rustic artwork from Adam Oehlers throughout. Comprehensive sleeve notes detail the background of each song. Lyrics are available via their website-which is where you can order this. The official release date is July 24th 2020.
