ninehertz

Haress' last album Ghosts took many by surprise, myself included. An album of delicate folk is not something that would even cross my mind to give a chance, but connections to Hey Colossus in band members and their record label, Wrong Speed, encouraged dipping my toe in, and something happened unexpected - I became transfixed. It was named one of our Top 10 Albums of 2022, a year later they were in my Top 10 Live Sets of 2023. It is with a gentle excitement I approach their return.

There are four tracks here, all but one well over ten minutes a piece. Blood Moon heads straight into the hypnotic folk with a touch of ambient drone that we already know they do well. You lapse into the requisite meditative state involuntarily and immediately such is its magical power, it is hazy, vocals sparing and half heard; it is calming and can set you dreaming, and all clouded in an understated majesty. King David is much more minimal, for the first three minutes at least, before it settles into a repetitive groove that is practically transcendental. It took its time - as ever - but it still has that irresistible dominion over your senses by its end.

After the short four minutes of Coin Clippers, the title track closes, ending on a true high. It is perhaps the most magical of all, a forest bound enchantment, sun rays piercing through the leaves, fingers brushing through the tall grass - it is hard not to dream away in such ways when listening. There's even a touch of the drones of latter Earth in here, but replacing that US old west twang with the marks of old English folk tales, like a Lake District medieval lament; the vocals - sung by the crowd following handed out lyrics cards if you ever have the chance to see them live - add to this time travelling sensation.

Once again Haress have produced an album that subtly cajoles you into losing sense of time and location, playing tricks on you with what feels like minimal craft, but it is art so perfectly attuned it rises up and surrounds you, comforting and transporting. Their combination of traditional English folk, with that sense of the countryside and history, and the hypnotic and almost gothic dark underbelly is where Haress reside, a masterful skill that harnesses all of those elements to create this wonderful album.