A measured, nuanced and elegant offering, ‘Altarwise’ is extremely cathartic and hypnotising, wrapping the listeners with soothing, yet intense energy, often drenched in lyrical magic and a certain solemn character. Sonically, we are in the rawest folk settings, although, to be fair, one can identify a pinch of eclecticism, especially in the variety of arrangements and the veiled cinematic energy.
A stunning record, ‘Altarwise’ signals Twin Headed Wolf’s return to the music scene, after a hiatus that started in 2017. Hailing from Ireland, the twin sisters duo finally found their inspiration again, kickstarting a refound period of blessed creativity. Julie and Branwen Kavanagh – the talented humans behind the project – had already teased us with a couple of singles, ‘The Rain’ and ‘The Black Keys’, soft slices of mesmerising matter built on gentle acoustic guitars, enchanting vocal harmonies and an array of tribal percussions.
Originally written almost a decade ago, ‘Altarwise’ is a comprehensive and evocative body of work, a record that admittedly might not be for everyone; with its majestic, celebrative tones and mysterious sonic research, one has to be open and receptive to it, finding the necessary calmness in the everyday hustle to fully appreciate Twin Headed Wolf’s artistry.
Recommended! Discover ‘Altarwise’ on Spotify:
