It’s always interesting when you review a debut album, and (by the nature of who we are and where we are) we are proud to have been there reviewing the debut albums for artists who have gone onwards and upwards. It’s Mother’s Day here in the UK and we went out for a meal at a little Italian place we know. Unwinding now with a cup of tea I’m in the mood for some late night folk music and so this one just might fit the bill.
Here is the press I have on this one:
Flutes & Low is the folk duo project of Ben Pichler and Cambria Haen. Since meeting and playing music together in Duluth, they have put their musical talents together to create lush sounds and memorable melodies. Deeply influenced by the rich landscapes of the Midwest, their music is as pastoral as it is touching. The pair is excited to share their debut album “Lay Fallow” early this spring, produced on their own in their Minneapolis apartment. The songs bleed the love, loss, tenderness, and purpose that inspire the poetry of personal experience and imaginative tales.
Inspiration is drawn from artists like Bon Iver, Damien Rice, Penny and Sparrow, Bonny Light Horseman, and Iron and Wine. Flutes & Low relies on the beauty of a simple arrangement, traditional folk structures, and the power that music can hold with few instruments and two voices. The pair’s name-sake comes from the Gerard Manley Hopkins poem “Inversnaid”. The poem’s moody natural elements bear a striking resemblance to the frigid Midwest environment that has shaped the band’s upbringing. The pair has just completed a new debut album. The self-produced 11-song record titled “Lay Fallow” is set to release this spring on March 20th, 2025.”
My Review:
“Sifting” – I feel the chill of winter still in the air as this stripped-back song of nature welcomes us to the album. It’s very atmospheric and it sings of rain and the valleys (it had me wondering where I had placed my umbrella) – it’s rather lovely and restful.
“Long Winter” – Shakespeare tells us in The Winter’s Tale that “a sad song’s best for winter.”, but this is a tale of logs on the fire and a desire to see the reborn sun. It is a spiritual song in many ways, a prayer for peace in these troubled days.
“Frelow” presents melody and harmony, gently uplifting and I liked the dual vocals and the backing which provides a warm uplift to the track. This is the first time I have heard this band and they are definitely storytellers in the true folk traditions, very Clannad.
“Armistice” – I believe this was the single from the album. It’s a bit darker than the earlier tracks, more on the sunset and the end of anger. Given the current news, a track about the laying down of weapons is very welcome, although this is about domestic smoking guns. Funnily enough, although it was the single I didn’t take to it as fast as I did a couple of the earlier tracks.
“To Glass” reminded me of something that would work nicely as a soundtrack for Macbeth, (early scenes where he moves toward the witches, post battle) – “shadows fall until there’s nothing left”- I liked this one.
“Earth Song” has a strong vocal performance, it resonates with folk imagery of water, grey birds flying and a time far away. I am sure the Viking storytellers of old would sing these songs around a fire, as we can still do today.
“One-Fifty-Two” – at 3.17 this is one of the shortest songs on the album. The tune is very accessible and it is probably the most immediately commercial radio-friendly number. I would suggest radio stations would take this, it’s perfect late night listening – with a few crows at the window listening in.
“Requiem In B Minor” – running to 7.39 this is the longest track on the album. A requiem is, of course, a Mass for the dead, this is more upbeat, more of a wake perhaps. It’s a powerful and emotive piece. It’s very haunting and powerful. I am a Catholic (we are a Christian magazine in the sense that we are all practising Christians working here) and the album moves in and out of religious images – the sacred flame of the Zoroastrians, the rosary beads (earlier track) and so on…I like an album that you can connect with in different ways. This track has an Irish folk feel to it.
“Lamb” – is kind of dreamy. It’s very sparse with this lovely vocal drifting by.
“Freyr Cries” is a late album track, the leaves are turning brown and the year is turning…as a track this is intimate folk for a cottage near the mountains in a land far, far away.
“A Vespera” closes down this album with a song title connected to the latin for ‘evening star.’ It is a gentle star that slips through my headphones, the beat connects nicely to the harmonies.
This is an album for those who like the darker nights and a chill in the air. It is for lovers of Clannad and Enya.
Put the kettle on, let the wind rattle the window a little, and give this one the quiet room it deserves. “Lay Fallow” isn’t an album that shouts for your attention — it simply sits beside you and lets the songs do their gentle work.
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Artist website here
Stream music by “Flutes and Low” on Bandcamp here
Artist Spotify here
By Stevie Ritson
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Songwriters: Benjamin Pichler and Cambria Haen
Producer: Cambria Haen and Benjamin Pichler (home studio)
Mixing Engineer: Nat Harvie
Mastering Engineer: Beck Nebel
Lead Vocals: Benjamin Pichler and Cambria Haen
Featured vocals: Inga Aleckson Weis (Freyr Cries)
Acoustic Guitar: Benjamin Pichler and Cambria Haen
Keyboard: Benjamin Pichler
Drums: Alexander Young
Percussion: Alexander Young and Benjamin Pichler
Bass: Calvin Caron
Electric Guitar: Cole Pecor
Violin: Jasmine Holt
Cello: Savannah Rachel
Pedal Steel: Aaron Fabbrini
Mandolin: Cambria Haen
Album artwork: Gavin Weiers