SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE DEEP DARK WOODS – THE CIRCLE REMAINS

THE DEEP DARK WOODS
THE CIRCLE REMAINS
VICTORY POOL RECORDS

The Deep Dark Woods’ latest LP, The Circle Remains, is something of a hidden wonder. From the very first decibel of sound, the record immediately catapults you into a quietly psychedelic atmosphere, topped off with beautifully mixed singing saw melodies and various analog accoutrements. There’s a beautifully serene sense of peace and easy-listening that is provided on behalf of the record, and its familiar but comfortable chord progressions only make the record feel more comfortable as it progresses.

“Circle Remains Unbroken” is a quintessential example of the power this band possesses when it comes to musical longevity, structure, and consistency. The nearly seven-min mammoth is a progressively building folk-rock track, complete with synthesizer sections and soaring chorus sections. Lead vocalist Ryan Boldt’s voice is reminiscent of Nina Simone’s gorgeous register, as it similarly is on the track, “Golden Petals,” an awe-inspiring autumn-time tune that allows a delicately mastered glockenspiel to harmonize over its chorus.

The concluding big band finish cacophony of “Ye Banks and Braes” is mesmerizing, and one of the finest moments of musical expression to be found on the album. The outro is dense and poignant, going on a two-min stretch during the finale. It’s reminiscent of the sounds of isolation and confusion that Bon Iver was providing on his debut LP, For Emma, Forever Ago.

“Can’t Keep From Singing” is a welcome surprise that arrives on the back half of the LP, and further diversifies that band’s creative palette with driving, diminished piano chords and a vocal melody that finds an idiosyncratic sense of harmony throughout its duration. The last four songs of the record, as a whole, create an epilogue feeling that is distinguishable from the rest of the record. As “Sweet Grows The Fruit” closes, and a low-fidelity piano joins a singing saw for one last burst of analog harmony, The Deep Dark Woods leave you feeling satisfied, not only with the astonishing musicianship that just preceded, but with the sense of creativity and ingenuity that’s on display. The group is carving out its own niche within modern alternative and indie scenes, and it couldn’t be more exciting to watch it happen in real time.

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