EP REVIEW: Leoht Farn – Dwen

DWEN are that rare kind of band that aren’t afraid to be truly out on their own. It’s difficult to define exactly what their sound is; lo-fi R&B, psychedelic folk, indie pop? Their debut EP Leoht Farn manages to subtly balance all of these facets within its six tracks.

From the dreamy A Ghost In The Weed Garden, with hyper-surreal vocals that oscillate and blend into the soundscape of the lush chorus of the guitars and clean crack of drums, there’s instantly a vibe of welcomeness here. Memory Foam is packed with drippy guitars and breathy vocals that leisurely tumble over the bouncy bassline and chipper drums, and while it’s apparent that there’s a very distinct tone to this record, it’s all the stronger for it.

While it is tricky to find any other band that aesthetically play with ritualistic, pagan folk within a modern, almost post-industrial framework, there are some within the wider sphere of music that feel akin to DWEN. THE JAPANESE HOUSE and CHILDISH GAMBINO are fair comparisons on this record, though perhaps more through their writing perspectives and playful use of sound than a common style. It’s the slice of life lyrics, lo-fi beats, heavily synthesised soundscapes supported by guitar melodies that all pull in the same way.

Purple is a spaced-out wonderland of hazed out imagery, the strange contemplations when in an altered state. The lo-fi vibes of course feel right at home with the subject matter, which feels both surface level boppy and relatable. Cyssan Blur’s keys are peppered with magical inflections; flange, sparkles and reverse delays feel like they’re all pulling the track in an unalarming tide, the centre of the track gently swaying like seaweed.

DWEN are immediately a very calming presence, the kind of band you can play all year round and relate to the music differently depending on your situation from one moment to another. It’s an escape, but equally a record to relate to and find comfort in the melancholy. There’s also plenty of room for when you’re looking for inner peace and refuge, or on a spiritual journey.

All Devouring Dawn is lovely – a track that feels much deeper and layered both in its instrumentation and lyrical content. The dragged bassline is the biggest appeal here, but the way DWEN play with space and melody is very compelling and urges repeat listens. To finish, The Book Of Uncut Pages is the perfect ending. Considering the whole EP is soft and inviting, this final outing is both warm and cosy, and a psychedelic, outer body experience. You’ll feel transported, drifting into a place of comfort and tranquillity.

With Leoht Farn, DWEN discarded three years of work for a complete fresh start in a week-long writing and recording session in the British countryside. The result is a record that feels fluid and surreal in equal measure.

Rating: 7/10

Leoht Farn is set for release on January 27th via self-release.

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