By Toutatis, a band from the north of England whose EP last year I enjoyed so much, have released a new EP with lo-fi act Dressed Like Wolves.You can download the single for free, or buy yourself a CD version with belles and whistlers.
I’ve been listening to the record all day, and I really like it. By Toutatis have moved on a little from the straight-out revival folk of Three Nights of the Rough Musick, and now sail slightly more post-folk waters. But there’s still that core of the mysterious Stephenstonian lyrics and the traditional instruments; Felon’s Song (Adeiu Adieu) is a gorgeous waltz with military drums and dirge-like accordion, with those weary lead vocals setting the mournful tone, and Dead Man’s Cues is a higher tempo track but exhibits a electric guitar, proof they’re not just Mumford & Sons with slightly hushed vocals.
Dressed Like Wolves are a lo-fi act in the vein of Bright Eyes, in the sense that they share the characteristic minimalistic instrumentation and semi-confessional content. Saying that, this is not a copycat act.There’s a strain of childlike play to the plinky-plonk piano on Seasons and on the wavering curses later in that song – or in the combination of cute-come-heartbreaking clarity that comes through on Warmth.
