Haunt The Woods – Opaque
Release Date: 28th February 2020
As storm Jorge ravages the
Cornish coastline and a leap day swings in to view, it seems only fitting that
an epic new record is birthed into the world – it will be the stuff of future
legends. For those not in the know, Haunt the Woods are a four-man collective
from the Rame peninsula in Cornwall and from such wild surroundings they have
brought us this debut album, ‘Opaque’. The collection opens with a 30 second ‘Intro’
which is essentially a crescendo of static and noise leading to the calming
tones of the opening track proper, ‘Elephant’. You’d be forgiven for thinking
that this was going to be a ponderous folk album but the eruption into a Buckley
meets early Muse chorus is truly breath-taking and there’s no looking back from
this point onward.
‘Amethyst’ settles into a steadier
rhythm but loses none of the intensity as the guitars ping and bounce around –
a quality that will sound spellbinding in a forthcoming gig which they’re playing
in a large cavern in deepest Cornwall. On ‘The Earth is a Rock’ the band
explore their Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd tendencies while ‘Architecture’
soothes even the most savage of souls which is handy considering this is a song
dealing with the death of relationship. There’s a Fleetwood Mac vibe to ‘Red’
which oozes class and is perfect for the mid-set wind down as the band schmooze
the audience with their licks and cool beat. That Jeff Buckley influence is
back on ‘Brother’ which, accompanied by the rich vocal harmonies, makes for a
luxurious listening before recent single and, frankly, personal favourite ‘Supernova’
blasts into space with dramatic and earth-shattering effect.
I can honestly say that I can’t
remember a debut album that has struck me as so exploratory, ambitious and accomplished
which is not only high praise, it is also genuinely impressive. Take ‘Fly’, for
example. Here we have a track which opens with some sad, silent movie piano
lines and a pure, unadulterated vocal and continues in exactly that vein
through a beautifully jaunty lament – how many artists would that on with their
debut. ‘Vultures’, by contrast, brings the whole band together on an expansive
track that speaks of the Cornish landscape and dramatic vistas in the way
county cousins Raikes do so well. The vibe on ‘The Box’ is more one of
reflection but a shuddering and glorious chorus shakes the reverie before title
track ‘Opaque’ does a great job of lulling you into a false sense of security
before blasting your misconceptions out of the water.
This debut album from Haunt the
Woods finishes on the simply titled ‘Feel’ which is perfect for ending a
collection of tracks as it switches between humble piano based verses and the
kind of chorus that could fuel a small country if you connected the leads
properly. These four guys have taken their time, honed their craft, grown their
hair and become greater than the sum of their parts in the most organic,
elemental and powerful way I can imagine. This is the kind of album that any
band would be proud to make and one that will stand up to numerous repeat
listens if you have the inclination….and you really should.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/hauntthewoodsofficial/
Live Dates:
6th March – Reen Sounds Live Lounge
7th March – Cavern, Exeter
8th March – Carnglaze Cavern, Liskeard w/Crazy
Arm + Tors
9th March – The Louisiana, Bristol
10th March – The Joiners, Southampton
11th March – The Lexington, London
12th March – The Waterfront, Norwich
15th March – Surfcafe, Tynemouth
16th March – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
20th March – Tiny Rebel, Cardiff
6th May – The Minnack Theatre, Cornwall w/Land of
the Giants