A while back, I received a pre-release copy of a CD by a new group, Wing and Hollow. This CD was entitled "frozen trees" (lack of capitalization matches the actual CD title). I really enjoyed that CD. The group is mainly two people, the husband-and-wife duo of Haven and Jill Lamoureux. Haven played guitar and Jill provided the powerful vocals, with other musicians providing accompaniment on various instruments. I liked all of the songs on the album, with three of them really standing out: Shadowman, Martyr, and Evil Needs. The group describes their music as folk rock. Apparently, they appreciated my review, as they sent me this CD unexpectedly.

For this short album, Haven Lamoureux again provides the guitar, and Jill provides the vocals. Other contributors are Dorian Heartsong (drums, bass, percussion and Mellotron), Jonathan Richards (upright bass in the song Keep It In The Dark), Jose Alcantar (Mellotron), and Alex Howland (Hammond in the songs Nowhere Town and Black As Blood.

The songs are moody, sometimes dark, often thoughtful, and never cheerful.  The guitar work and other instrumentals are well-done.  Jill Lamoureux has a strong, soulful voice, with great range.  She is very emotive in her singing.  The lyrics, however, are not as memorable as many of those in the group’s previous album, frozen trees.  I do like that each song tells a little story.  As I said, that CD had three songs that really stood out:  Martyr, Shadowman, and Evil Needs.  None here have that much impact.

This is a short CD, with only five titles:

Look Out Below (3:45) is very rhythmic and mellow, with a melancholy feel.  There are a few chances for Jill Lamoureux to display her strength.  Nostalgia and regret are themes here.  Four stars.

Nowhere Town (3:33) is surprisingly, given its title, has a more upbeat sound, although the lyrics do not always match.  Lack of achievement mixed with hope for the future is the theme.  Four stars.

Black As Blood (3:08) is as dark as the title implies.  A relatively fast-paced song about love and a relationship that is at somewhat toxic makes for the story here.  Three-and-a-half stars.

Keep It In The Dark (4:13) is the longest song on the CD and is a quieter, slower piece.  The bass adds very nicely to this relaxing tale about longing, sadness, and separation.  Three-and-a-half stars.

Not Alone (3:29) is an upbeat song in an odd way.  It sounds somewhat sad, but the story is about connectedness and inner, possibly hidden strengths.  It could have a religious interpretation, but not blatantly or necessarily.  I think this my favorite on the album.  Four-and-a-half stars.

Total runtime: 18:28

This music can be purchased two ways: MP3 downloads ($.99 per song on Amazon) or the entire CD ($11.27 on Amazon).  It can also be purchased through the group’s website (wingandhollow.com) for only $5.00.

P.S.:  I enjoyed it more the second time through.

Thanks to Christal for adding this one to the database. 

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Listening