There’s a skinny line between cheesiness and enchantment. It’s one which German neofolk ensemble FAUN have ridden onerous for nearly three many years now, fishing inspiration from the country thriller of the medieval age however by no means relinquishing their supremely listenable songwriting. Stacking devices as obscure because the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, lute, flute, bowl fiddle and harp alongside trendy synths and polyphonic vocals, their sound could possibly be as dense as Scandic overlords Wardruna and Heilung. As an alternative, they like the poppier aspect of paganism: an airier different to fellow Teutonic heroes Corvus Corax and Saltatio Mortis.
Twelfth album Hex is a tribute. Below the course of bandleader Oliver Satyr – ‘Magister Artium of Medieval Philology’ – these 12 tracks discover the historical past of witches, feminine heaers and smart ladies in Western Europe. Blot, as an illustration, is a mournful exploration of Vikings’ naturalist faith, with its demand for ritual sacrifice. The surging Hare Spell is called after an incantation recorded by Isobel Gowdie throughout a Scottish witch trial in 1662. Prancing opener Belladonna is steeped in previous Irish legend and delivered to life with pulsating reggae rhythms and crunching guitar. Shadows lurk however finally hope and light-weight prevail.
