Solanaceae - _Solanaceae_
(Heidrunar Myrkrunar / Tesco, 2009)
by: Nikola Shahpazov (8 out of 10)
Devotees have been waiting for a proper Of the Wand and the Moon studio release since 2005's most enjoyable _Sonnenheim_. Kim Larsen has released this instead: Solanaceae's self-titled debut, at first confused as another OtWatM album.

Not a million miles away from Larsen's main project, Solanaceae operates in a similar neofolk vein: strumming guitar, hummed vocals and the occassional flute, albeit with a heavily psychedelic sound minus praises of Odin in old Icelandic, Laveyan worship or sympathy for brother Lucifer. Complete with lyrics dwelling on topics of woe, magick, shadowy processions through the deep woods, and a certain similarity to the works of In Gowan Ring or Werkraum's _Early Love Music_, _Solanaceae_ feels almost deliberately British -- a throwback to the times of old, no doubt. The center pieces "I Saw Them Through the Pines / They Only Walk on Moss" and "The Blood of My Lady" (both featuring reprises) as well as instrumental pieces "Samorost" and "Fenella" are overtly Romantic, Medieval in sound and of a much lighter nature han most OtWatM material.

Strong songwriting and guest appearances by Sonne Hagal's John van der Lieth, Solblot's Vincent Farrow and Unto Ashes' Michael Laird are sure to make this a delightful morsel for neofolk connoisseurs.

Contact: http://www.myspace.com/solanaceaelodge

(article published 18/7/2009)


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