Woodlands - Housebuilding

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

This single from Swedish band Woodlands is really quite something. Sure, we're all getting a bit sick of the acoustic/folk overload, but these guys have produced an outstanding track here, and one that will appeal to fans of Neil Young at the height of his powers. Taken from their self-titled debut album which was recorded in just five days, 'Housebuilding' begins with the feel of 1970s Laurel Canyon; it's a simple folky number with a gorgeous voice and the production makes the song sound as though it was recorded at the same time as 'Harvest', but with a female vocalist and a little slide guitar.

When it bursts into life in the second half it's a surprise, and a very welcome one. As sweet as this song is, when that very Neil Young-esque distorted guitar kicks in the track is taken to a whole different level. The noise is piercing, it's sometimes barely in tune and it piles excess fuzz on top of what was a very delicate piece, but it sounds absolutely stunning. There may be a lot of people feeling the boredom setting in with folky music right now; to all of those people: step away from your current soppy record collections and into Woodlands' world. This is how great music of that variety can be.



Woodlands' website

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