Ubiquity

Haunt The Woods

From their EPK, "In the deepest reaches of the English countryside there is a sublime […]
August 31, 2023
Haunt The Woods - Ubiquity album cover

From their EPK, "In the deepest reaches of the English countryside there is a sublime sound that emanates from the landscape and its name is HAUNT THE WOODS. Timely but curiously timeless, you'd never guess that this youthful quartet could so confidently make no accord with genre and yet here they are, and their rich musical vocabulary spans decades and worlds. Recently signed to Spinefarm/Universal, it won't be long before you're hearing more from these musical mavericks and with good reason." The album has 12 songs.

"Fever Dream" is first. It has a distinct Progressive Rock feeling to it, with a siren pitched singer and some swells of music. It is an aptly titled song, and has imagery of those strange things one might dream about while fighting a fever. "Gold" is a melancholy number, focused on the part of your body that feels things the most. It is quite stirring, and emotional, and the swells tickle your neck. "Save Me" is another pensive offering. For me, it's a heart-felt plea for someone to interceded, and to help. "Equilibrium," by contrast, is a state of peace, and a state of rest...when all good things and bad things finally find balance and can live in harmony.

"Home" is a comforting song. Images of home for me are about spending time in a familiar place, with people I love. That is the feeling that I get when listening to this song. "The Line Part II" is another softer song. These types of albums always intrigue me, because I have to be in a certain mood to really enjoy them. But so far, it is quite relaxing. "Now is Our Time" has a bigger punch to it, even among the delicate tones. It is more of a declarative sound, announcing the title to anyone around. "Ubiquity" is defined as "the fact of appearing everywhere or of being very common." I get more of the calm side of Devin Townsend out of this song...a gentle breeze, a warm welcome, a smile from a stranger.

"Overflow" has that sound that just clicks with me...a simple but very effective melody, and a concise approach to songwriting. I believe it is a statement about how someone yearn for more...to overflow with emotion. "Sleepwalking" is a short, dreamy song with vocal harmonies...that haze that one feels when waking up. Feeling numb can be something that can go either way. You can feel numb from pain over and over again, or one can just be numb...almost like being naïve. Ignorance is bliss as they say.

"Said and Done" closes the album. As the title suggests, it's the final statement you can make for yourself before you just move on. When the band talks about music fans wanting immediate gratification, you can understand where they are coming from. A slow build and dynamics abound here, indeed. This isn't the type of album that will pull you from your chair immediately. It demands further attention, but once it clicks, it stays there, imbedded in your memory. If you are the type of discerning listener who can appreciate these kinds of nuances, this album will be very enjoyable.

8 / 10

Excellent

Songwriting

8

Musicianship

8

Memorability

8

Production

9
"Ubiquity" Track-listing:

1. Fever Dream
2. Gold
3. Save Me
4. Equilibrium
5. Home
6. The Line Part II
7. Now Is Our Time
8. Ubiquity
9. Overflow
10. Sleepwalking
11. Numb
12. Said and Done

Haunt The Woods Lineup:

Phoenix Elleschild - Lead Guitar
Jonathan Stafford - Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
Jack Hale - Bass
Oliver Bignell - Drums

linkcrossmenucross-circle linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram