The new self-titled album from Wildwood Kin makes me feel as if I am rocketing across wild American plains in an open-topped sports car, Thelma and Louise style.
This is acoustic Country and Western, with more than a hint of folk and a mellow Crosby Stills and Nash style. The album cover shows the band rising up and out of American rock and rising from the earth; that is what this music feels like as if it is coming from the natural world and the wildest and freest parts of the USA. You can feel the wind in your hair and the sand in your eyes, and there is something about Wildwood Kin that is coming from a very real and untamed place.
Now, I was about to talk about how this is a brand new American talent but I have just realised the girls are actually from Devon. I have heard that this is what’s known as Anglo American music, in other words, these girls are Brits but sound American and this fooled me. Regardless, this is a beautiful album which pleased my jaded ears no end. One stand out track, for me, is Time Has Come: “Thunder hear the thunder underground it’s rolling under, Fire in the Fire we will stand with no surrender, We are heroes each of us is born of fire.” If you want to feel truly uplifted and inspired this is a great track to listen to.
Beauty in your Brokenness is a measured and intelligent assessment of the ups and downs of life and the mistakes that makes us all human whereas Breathe is a track that invites us to take time and breathe which soothes and uplifts at the same time. This album could be better for you than a session on the therapist’s couch. All the positive emotions are in there.
If you are feeling trapped by your life and bogged down with cares and wish to feel free in your mind and body, then listen to Wildwood Kin and it will take you back to a place of naturalness. I am feeling something very real about the sound these women create that makes concrete jungles melt away like butter. The natural sound and the authenticity and truth in their vocals is refreshing to hear.
This is a young female trio bound for endless future success.
Score: 5/5
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