"Cedar and Sage: Riders of the Gallows Vol. 1" (2023) by Osi and the Jupiter is a captivating neofolk album that showcases the seamless cooperation of acoustic guitar and cello. With its 11 tracks spanning a 50-minute runtime, the album immerses listeners in a world of atmospheric melodies and evocative songwriting.
From the opening instrumental track "Devoured Sun" featuring Nemuer, the album immediately sets the tone for the musical journey that lies ahead. The track establishes a captivating mood, drawing listeners in with its ethereal ambiance. The second track, "Afterlight," follows with a simple acoustic guitar chord progression, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of the cello. As the song progresses, it gradually introduces lyrics and builds up with the addition of drums. This gradual build-up, almost reminiscent of post-rock music, adds a sense of anticipation and intensity to the track.
Continuing in a similar vein, the third track, "Abyssal Woods," featuring Tithe, maintains the same elements while adopting a more ritualistic approach, which harkens back to their earlier albums. The fifth track, "The Old Ones Speak Through the Trees," introduces a country-music-like vibe, diversifying the sonic palette and adding a touch of nostalgia to the album.
The title track, "Cedar and Sage," is the most straightforward neofolk composition on the album. It showcases the essence of the album, highlighting the seamless fusion of repetitive acoustic guitar and dynamic cello melodies. "Hollowed," featuring Aerial Ruin, presents the most atmospheric offering on the album. It envelopes listeners in a tapestry of ethereal sounds and textures with its dark ambient undertones.
Overall, "Cedar and Sage" delivers a cohesive structure with pleasing sounds and professional performances. Recommended for fans of neofolk who seek introspective and soul-stirring compositions.
Rating: 4/5
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