Voice of the Seven Woods

There is just something different about this act. I’ve had my fair share of psychedelic, hazy, progressive, folk rock, but this one here grabbed me good, and the grip is tight, and it aint letting go.

As with most things I’ve come to enjoy the most, and cherish in that special gimme-more-more kinda way, this too is a one shot kinda deal. Meaning, Voice of the Seven Woods is a project. One album released, no more, no less. 

The man behind the steering wheel of this one-timer, is a British guitarist named Rick Tomlinson who, beside this amazing, self-titled piece of work, released a bunch of EP’s on 7'' vinyl, and you can find him today touring under the name Voice of the Seven Thunders, alongside his colleague musicians Chris Walmsley on drums and Pete Hedley on bass.

The Voice of the Seven Woods, the album, consists of 10 songs that some refer to folktronica or freak-folk. Although these terms would be quite accurate, the old-fashioned person that I am, is gonna  call it as one of the best, most mesmerizing psychedelic folk rock albums that came out in the last few years. It was released in 2007 on both CD and vinyl, and the US version is the only VotSW release that can still be found in stores. 

In the ten songs, you're not gonna find just one style of music, dedication to one subject or exploration of just one theme, you're gonna find melodies that instantly scream of memorability and unique style of folk-themed acoustic guitars (Sand and Flames or Sayai Nova), a tune that wails with its bluesy, psychedelic guitar (Second Transition) and hazy, rare vocals on the nostalgic side, floating in reverb (Dusk Cloud). 

So, ye fans of good music, enjoy your dose of the Voice of the Seven Woods, and be prepared to spin it many, many times.