ALBUM REVIEW: Stave – Osi And The Jupiter
It’s always a joy to be able to listen to music that tastefully and respectfully handles ancient ideas in their soundscapes without remoulding it to fit their idea of what it should be. OSI AND THE JUPITER are such a band, and in their six years on the scene have become a fond favourite of those interested in immersing themselves in a primeval mindset while listening to a unique interpretation of neo-folk. Their latest record Stave aims to captivate in a more mesmerising way than ever before.
An enchanting start as always with OSI AND THE JUPITER, To Reap What Has Sown is an ambient drone that sets the backdrop for the slow build of acoustic strings, tinkling beats, beautiful orchestral arrangements and sparse, echoing keys. Much the same with title track Stave, a slow building assortment settles you into the atmospheric state of the tune. OSI AND THE JUPITER always manage to create such a varied and expressive soundscape, the haunting melancholy of its beginnings draw up into a spontaneity of strings and wailing that brings a sense of danger and the known to mind.
There are some real highlights to OSI AND THE JUPITER’s career on this record. Cosmic Creation Through Primordial Void has an air of the ethereal as with all OSI AND THE JUPITER songs. However, this reflects a new plane of being, a more incorporeal one. So full of space and time to reflect on every note and percussive punctation, it’s perfectly meditational.
Wights is equally beautiful, a haunting violin drawn over a hearty drum beat. The vocals feel like a chorus of spirits calling throughout time to evoke a feeling of connection within the listener. The collaborative element of having ANILAH feature is especially prominent and really comes through. In the same way, while In Death (Carry Me Home) also has something of that folk string work, and the inclusion of Michal Krawczuk(BY THE SPIRITS) brings another fresh take on the typical OSI AND THE JUPITER sound.
Things take a more sinister turn with Inner Flame, a deeper, more violent growl rolls, not quite awake at the centre. With echoing and haunting drums, it eventually breaks way to a more pained, emotionally weary sound. It’s a track that inspires openness, that conjures thoughts of letting go of pain and resentment, accepting grief and allowing eventually some purer life force to drive you. The flickering of synth adds a certain contrast to the acoustics of the string instruments. Eihwaz (The Beating Heart of Yew) is also a wonderfully atmospheric arrangement. It works on a totally orchestral level, each instrument bringing either a new twinge of tension or a pleasant release in the rising swell. Beautifully evocative, the naturalistic themes reverberate with you long after you’ve been gently enveloped in its warm, ageless tones.
Folk Of The Woods brings in some vocals that don’t often dominate on these records, but the steering of your imagination by these words only looks to further the experience of warm acoustics and a sense of community and collaboration that runs through the track. In the same way, Mountain Shamanism and Old Ways position a warm and humble guitar at the forefront, while reverberating vocals tell the tale to bring an intimate, personal feel to the tunes. These moments sit like pockets of reflection in this record, like chapters in a book wherein the protagonist takes the time to sit and reflect on their journey. They balance so well with the instrumental sections without feeling like anything is lost or gained from the vocals – it’s all simply a tool for storytelling.
Appalachia is the best amalgamation of all the OSI AND THE JUPITER seem to have wanted to place on this record. The simple lyrical tale can be read into in many ways, it’s a metaphorical tapestry that gently sits on a backdrop of acoustics and bright, heart wrenching violins. It ties into the thematic ideas of ages gone by, while tying into the band’s own personal geographical history and sense of home.
The album’s closing track, a cover of Nights in White Satin, is well done, and a nice place to bring in new listeners who are familiar with the original while still being able to enjoy this interpretation. It’s a perfect end to this sombre and contemplative record.
Since starting out, OSI AND THE JUPITER have always managed to create authentic, beautiful records that pay homage to traditional mysticism while displaying a huge wealth of talent for emotional instrumental arrangements. They’ve succeeded again in creating a reflective, sorrowful, sage and soothing record in Stave, proving there’s a wealth of captivating ides that are still to be tapped into with great confidence from this band. Long may it continue.
Rating: 8/10
Stave is out now via Eisenwald Records.
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