Review: Wytch Hazel – V: Lamentations
The Healing Powers of Wytch Hazel
UK’s Wytch Hazel is back with their 5th chapter of original music, their output consistent and timely since the debut Prelude (2016). Lamentations follows closely on the heels of 2023’s breakthrough Sacrament – the most musically accessible of their releases up to that point. The good news is this new material was crafted by the same foursome of Hendra, Haslam, Shackleton (their third in a row together) along with drummer Aaron Hay (this his 2nd), so expect the same quality and style to that which was offered up on Sacrament.
Consequently, and not surprisingly, the music on Lamentations is akin to what you have heard on Sacrament. However, as might be expected, the band has improved upon their songcraft and the production quality has improved as well. At least comparing the two CD/digital recordings, Lamentations has a bigger low-end (especially the bass guitar) prominence. But the style of more straight-ahead, slightly chill ’70’s-inspired rock continues throughout with the emphasis, once again, more on the melodies and words rather than instrumentation.
Struggles, Laments, Running and Racing
Themes this time around deal with the challenges and struggles of life (“Heavy Load” and “The Demon Within“), the sorrows we suffer and experience in the world (“I Lament”) around us alongside positive exhortations to carry on in faith in songs like “Run the Race” and “Racing Forwards.”
Fortunately, for fans of those earlier releases, Wytch Hazel can still bring the folk rock elements into the mix in a way few are capable. “The Citadel” is a wonderful hybrid folk/rock song, almost Zepplin-esque at times, with encouraging words of hope and the refuge in the mercies of God.
Similarly, “Elements” with the gentle acoustic guitar rhythm encourages the believer in the comfort and consistency of God’s provision. The bluesy guitar solos in the middle section and on the fade-out here stand out as one of the most elegant instrumental moments on Lamentations.
And speaking of elements, the folk instrumentations return on the brief interlude “Elixer” which segues nicely into the majestic “Woven,” one of the more up-tempo tracks here – the driving rhythm guitar mesmerizing. The simplicity of the wisdom and gentle message of reminder of worth mark a high point lyrically. Once again, the lead guitar solo here is tastefully well-crafted.
“Heavy Load” is another uniquely Wytch Hazel song with the way in which the folk elements and melodies are interlaced with balladic rock resulting in the lamentation for those who struggle to overcome their burdens. The song plays out almost like a funeral dirge, doomy and despairing.
“Carry my heavy load, it is too much for me/carry my heavy load, the yoke of slavery”
Fortunately, the answers can be found with “Healing Power,” the Wytch Hazel antidote within reach of those with the ears to hear:
“He is Wytch Hazel healing power/Healing me through melody”
Musically, this song is the longest and most complex song here, like some of what fans may be familiar with on those early albums.
Summarium
Fans of ‘70’s rock with a folk infusion will thoroughly enjoy the musical palette displayed on Lamentations, and the words are both accessible/highly relevant and encouraging all in the same breath. To boot, the 45-minute listening time is easily digestible, the flow from song to song elegant, the music full of substance without ever becoming over-indulgent.
Media
Lamentations is available in multiple media formats to include digital download, CD digi, and several variations of vinyl (Blinding White/Stone Citadel Marbled/Blood Red & Opaque Marbled) HERE.
For those who enjoy vinyl, Wytch Hazel delivers. The analog recording provides a more natural listening experience, allowing for greater appreciation of the warmth in Hendra’s vocals and emphasizing the prominence of the bass guitar tones.
Track Listing: (same for both CD/vinyl)
1. I Lament (4:11)
2. Run the Race (4:59)
3. The Citadel (5:09)
4. Elements (4:33)
5. The Demon Within (4:26)
6. Racing Forwards (4:13)
7. Elixer (1:41)
8. Woven (4:50)
9. Heavy Load (4:42)
10. Healing Power (6:22)
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