You Crazy Dreamers Blog

So my last two post have been Stripmall Ballads and The Sumner Brothers and to finish off this Canadian trilogy I present to you The Deep Dark Woods. Since they sent me their new album Winter Hours last week I can honestly say I must have heard it at least fifty times in that period and I can’t see myself stopping any time soon as it is an album that, for me at least, takes a few listens to really appreciate the craftsmanship at work. Stunning, spine tingling harmonies, beautiful arrangements and the musicianship is out of this world. By far the best album I’ve heard so far this year and not sure If I will hear better to be honest. Blending country, folk, rock and bluegrass you can hear influences from Gram Parsons through to that other Canadian stalwart, Neil Young but also with harmonies this good a modern comparison could be The Fleet Foxes. Lead singer Ryan Boldt has a immense sadness in his voice that I think he could sing the phone directory and keep you interested, full of deep emotion. When last years top albums lists came out many people had The Fleet Foxes as either top of their list or somewhere very close and yet The Deep Dark Woods’ Hang me oh hang me was never even mentioned let alone in any best of lists and for me it was one of 2007’s best albums ! Scandalous.( I know its 2007 but some end of lists went from Oct 2007 to 0ct 2008); Well here’s hoping that this new album receives more praise because as far as I’m concerned this is quite simply astonishing. I could piss myself with glee while listening to it as it so excites me that music this good is still around.

This album starts off with a rather chilling track called Farewell which may give you the impression that this is a reflection of what is to come and you’d be part right I suppose but with more upbeat tracks like Polly and Two Time Loser sitting comfortably in the middle it gives you a slight break before hitting you with the The Gallows which is a beautifully written song and then a storming final eight and a half minute track The Sun Never Shines, probably my favourite on the album. The best final track I’ve heard on an album since The Day Texas Sank to The Bottom Of The Sea from Micah P Hinson and the gospel of progress. A blistering guitar solo (what ever happened to the guitar solo?), It’s the perfect way to end what is an incredible album, their best yet and that’s saying something considering all three are superb. I think what tops this one is the production of Steve Dawson who also contributes on the album playing ukelele and banjo as well as other stringed instruments. it’s as if this is a long lost album from the mid seventies or something. I wish I could write a review that would give this album justice but as I’ve said in the past I’m not a reviewer, my mission is to put the word out about good music and for me it doesn’t get any better that The Deep dark Woods.

Winter Hours is not slated for release until 17th February but very kindly Chris has taken time to answer some questions for us, He’s informed me it’s normally Ryan who does interviews but he was having internet troubles, tell me about it.

Underneath the interview you will find Where have the summers gone form their first album, Rumble in the sky from Hang me Oh Hang Me and All The Money I had Was Gone from the upcoming Winter Hours. But please, buy the album(s), I know it might sound like they are being produced in some multi millon pound studio with loads of money behind them but they’re not, Their just fucking good !