Wytch Hazel: IV: Sacrament

And Now for Something Completely Different…

For those who have never experienced the music of U.K.’s Wytch Hazel this review of Sacrament (the band’s 4th release) may as well represent a foreign language. However, for those looking for something different, something which doesn’t fit into any kind of common or easily described mold of musical expression … read on.

Wytch Hazel defies comparison. Their unique brand of rock has been around since their debut release Prelude (2016), which they followed up with II: Sojourn (2018) and III: Pentecost (2020). These first 3 releases feature an amalgam of ‘70’s rock and folk/celtic rock with some classic hard rock leanings, but even that description doesn’t do the music justice. Wytch Hazel plays music you really just have to hear for yourself.

However, while the musical style doesn’t change much over those first 3 releases, there were those unpopular line-up changes which never sit right with fans. Colin Hendra (vocals/piano/organ) is the constant, and drummer Jack Spencer plays on the first 3 releases as well. But otherwise, there is a shuffling of players filling in the ranks, finally settling out on Alex Haslam (guitars) and Andrew Shackleton (bass) on Pentecost, which was for me their greatest accomplishment to that point.

Fortunately, most of the foursome remains intact for Sacrament – the exception being Aaron Hay has replaced Spencer on drums. Why do I digress with all this people mess? A testament to a great band is often manifested in how their music is affected by multiple changes in personnel. Thankfully, Wytch Hazel’s music – at the core – stands firm to its prototype.

IV: Sacrament

Interestingly though, Sacrament breaks away from the first 3 releases in a way I can best describe as “more accessible” to a wider listener base. Now, maybe that statement worries the core fanbase, but it shouldn’t because the magic which makes the music of Wytch Hazel so endearing is still present in abundance on Sacrament.

This time around, there is a purposeful stripped down – almost pop – approach for the most part, but the guitar sounds, the vocal timbres are all still very recognizable. The hardest pill to swallow, though, is the drumming change. Spencer played with that Clive Bunker (Jethro Tull) style of jazz meets classical flair, which was part of what made those first 3 releases so great. Hay is mostly playing straight four beats. Fans of the former style may not be too thrilled with Sacrament, but, once again, for those looking for something refreshing, these songs are wonderful.

Digging Deeper into the Songs

Right out of the gate, “The Fire’s Control” establishes not only the more straight-rock approach but also this band’s ability to challenge the listener’s spiritual disposition.

“Are you afraid of the fire/are you afraid of the Holy Spirit? Are you afraid of the fire/Are you afraid of the fires of Hell?”

And in a similar musical vein, the straight rocker “Angel of Light” shares this sentiment – the struggle to stay clear of deception and firm in the truth during this age.

“We have won the war but I have lost this fight/We’re against a darkness that shows itself as light … Faithful stand and be faithful/Prepare for the fight/He is the Angel/The Angel of Light”

The running bass guitar underlying this track is the musical highlight of the song. Hendra’s vocals are mesmerizing because unlike most singers he doesn’t force any power into the effort, these truths just seamlessly flow from his laid-back (dare I say hippie-powered?) approach. Let’s call it “sober trippy.” Think Eric Bloom Blue Oyster Cult.

And speaking of that iconic band, the simple little guitar lead in “Time and Doubt” is reminiscent of those wonderful ‘70’s rock years where complex wasn’t always essential to great song making. The brief little guitar solo is a hint of the talent so humble.

“Strong Heart” has the straight four ‘80’s rock beat and like so many songs from that era, this one just feels so light and uplifting, so confidently positive. I would rate this one of my favorite tracks on Sacrament, for sure. The “less is more” guitar solo provides the perfect touch.

Not only are Hendra’s chill, laid-back ‘70’s vocals incredibly appealing, but the way in which he uses vocal phrasings/crafts vocal melodies is so unique. “Deliver Us” is one of my favorite songs here for exactly those reasons – that and the catchy little lilting guitar melodies all throughout. The simple appeal in the lyrics the icing on the cake:

“Deliver us from the evil one/stay with us ‘til the fighting’s done”

Musically speaking, “1,000 Years” draws one too many times from the well of success. It’s not a bad song, by any means, but it feels maybe a bit redundant as I feel like at this point in the record there needs to be something to change the pace, to change the style up just a bit. In redeeming fashion, though, the guitar solo here is one of the best on the album and that ‘70’s drum tom outro is mega cool!

Fans of the earlier releases will sigh a breath of relief with the final 3 songs, which draw upon Wytch Hazel’s folk/classical heritage. “Endless Battle” features a great guitar lead and some of the drumming styles present on the first 3 releases. The song still doesn’t have much pace, but it perfectly sets up the next song which is a total folk ballad.

“Future is Gold” is a breathtaking song of hope, the mandolin carrying the main melody throughout.

“Without all the answers, without all the hope/I will cling to freedom, I am not alone”

“Digging Deeper” is the third part of the trifecta of songs which close out Sacrament. Once again, the instrumentation and style leans towards the band’s origin sound, this the longest song on the release.

Media

I listened to this recording on both CD and vinyl many times before digital-penning this review. Praise and wonder – the genius simplicity of structure – are the words which most come to mind. The melodies here are exceptional. The lyrics are both challenging and inspiring – the truths simple and sincere. And while it appears upon initial listens that the words this time are more important than the music, these songs are deceptively great! Either way, you can’t lose if you are a lover of original, heartfelt rock with a clear nod to the ‘70’s recording sounds.

The CD comes in a triple panel digi with lyrics/credits printed on the panels and hence no insert and the vinyl I have is 180 gram clear transparent 33 RPM in single sleeve jacket with lined inner sleeve, single 2-sided lyric sheet and download card. The vinyl version does have the warmer sound, and given the ’70’s bent of Wytch Hazel it represents the perfect media with which to convey the music and message of Sacrament.

CD

1. The Fire’s Control (3:49)

2. Angel of Light (4:50)

3. Time and Doubt (4:46)

4. Strong Heart (3:58)

5. Deliver Us (4:02)

6. A Thousand Years (4:43)

7. Gold Light (1:24)

8. Endless Battle (5:16)

9. Future is Gold (3:46)

10. Digging Deeper (6:23)

Vinyl

Side A

1. The Fire’s Control (3:49)

2. Angel of Light (4:50)

3. Time and Doubt (4:46)

4. Strong Heart (3:58)

5. Deliver Us (4:02)

Side B

6. A Thousand Years (4:43)

7. Gold Light (1:24)

8. Endless Battle (5:16)

9. Future is Gold (3:46)

10. Digging Deeper (6:23)

“I have life eternal, but I will live this life”

Bad Omen Records

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