Heirloom’s 2024 EP “spell spill spoil“ is a spellbinding collection of songs that are sure to pull at your heart strings. Blending traditional folk elements with an emphasis on contemporary sounds, Heirloom balances pop minimalism with post-folk complexity.
Exuding ethereal magic at every turn, the band demonstrates a talent for captivating listeners with an array of instrumentation. This record glimpses into a hauntingly beautiful world where somber melodies swaddle listeners into a warm sleep.
Rhythmically, the music is soft and pointed. Sparse percussive lines roll over instrumentation, tastefully connecting the music to a back beat. At times a steady pulse drives the music forward, but not without tasteful embellishments to keep things interesting. Heirloom’s post-rock influences come to the surface on “black thread needle.”
Cascading guitars evoke imagery of a starlit sky with deep blue hues shining against the night. Jangling notes sparkle behind violin strings. A sorrowful lead is stretched over the music, beautifully accenting the ebbing structure of a song. Fingers can be heard scratching strings as chord changes occur. Notes are plucked only to fade into a wash of windswept vocals, carrying the music like a tide to shore.
Despite these songs having the power to pull me into a deep daydream, I feel grounded by a raw element present in the lyrics. The overall mix feels spacious, with every musical element finding its home in the spectrum of frequencies. The production is well-balanced and thoughtful, bringing out the subtleties and nuances in the playing.
This collection of songs is a meditative journey with ambiance to spare. It is a collection of songs that leaves me wanting more. spell spill spoil tailors an otherworldly experience to lose yourself in. It is a sincere installation in hopefully one of many releases from KW’s Heirloom.
FFO: Joanna Newsom, Cocteau Twins, Marissa Nadler, Sufjan Stevens
ASSOCIATED ACTS: Safe As Houses
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