Review of Sharon Knight\u2019s Undertow<\/em><\/h1>\n
Helena Domenic., M.A., M.F.A., Kutztown University<\/span><\/p>\n Listen here: https:\/\/sharonknight.bandcamp.com\/album\/new-undertow<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Content Block” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_image=”off” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Of course, the most important part of the work is the music itself. In the past, I have sometimes felt slightly disappointed by some Pagan music \u2013 perhaps the production quality was not great, or the artists felt as though they had not fully realized their potential yet \u2013 but I do not feel that way at all about Sharon Knight. Here is an artist who is worthy of recognition beyond Pagan circles. I won\u2019t go into each track in detail; however I will share some thoughts and lyrics on two of the songs.\u00a0<\/p>\n The album opens with \u201cInto the Myst,\u201d and on the album\u2019s bandcamp site, Sharon writes, \u201cThe ocean has always been a liminal place for me. A place to find solace and rejuvenation.\u201d I also felt the presence of Manannan in the lyrics:<\/p>\n \u201cFathomless the master who rules the murky deep In the title track, \u201cUndertow,\u201d Knight sings of going to a deeper place, a place apart from the everyday world, and also reminds us of environmental concerns with the lyric,\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve had enough of your bitter wine The melody and music of this piece make me want to join her in the undertow and to be taken away to a place where the waters are fresh and unsullied.<\/p>\n On Knight\u2019s wonderfully enchanting website, https:\/\/sharonknight.net<\/a>, her music is described as \u201cNeofolk Romantique\u201d and I can\u2019t think of a better descriptor. This is music for those of us longing for another time and place but wanting to somehow remain anchored here in this world, preferably near the ocean. Including Sharon Knight and her partner (and frequent collaborator) Winter, the other musicians on the album are: Nathaniel Johnstone on violin, Diana Rowan on harp, Unwoman on cello, and Caith Threefires on mandolin. The production value is extremely good, and all of these diverse and talented musicians\u2019 instruments blend beautifully with Sharon Knight\u2019s ethereal voice and lyrics.\u00a0<\/p>\n Admirably, as noted in the Undertow<\/i> lyrics, this album is not just about the ocean, but about humanity\u2019s pollution of global waters. On the kickstarter website for the album (which was crowdfunded \u2013 another testimony to Sharon Knight\u2019s talent and appeal), it states that there will be a stageshow created around the songs to both entertain and educate about these important environmental issues. Undertow <\/i>does what all great music should do: it both inspires and uplifts while evoking strong emotions, in this case, sharing the melancholy many Pagans feel regarding the potential for destruction brought on by human hands. Please check this important work out if you haven\u2019t already done so.\u00a0<\/p>\n Sharon Knight\u2019s Undertow<\/i> can be purchased direct via her website: https:\/\/sharonknight.net\/hello<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding=”0px|||||” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ divider_weight=”3px” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ width=”60%” module_alignment=”center” height=”5px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”Bio” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”noindent” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/societyforritualarts.com\/website_799ab241\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Undertow-300x300.jpg?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1\")
This latest album from Sharon Knight does not disappoint. It is filled with lush instrumentation and is deeply evocative of other times and places \u2013 particularly places where the ocean meets the land. As a water sign (Cancer), I loved this album\u2019s focus on the ocean. The album cover features a beautiful image of the artist herself swimming amidst seaweed and fish, her red hair flowing out behind her. I do miss the days of album cover art, and this cover is a beauty.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n
Shroud me in your silence and carry me from sleep
Gentle rain will soothe me when nightmares won\u2019t subside
Wrap me in your silver cloak and bid your horses ride\u201d (Knight, 2024, Track 1)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
Poison the streams and tell us it\u2019s fine
Let us flee from the churches while their dour bells ring
Let us run in the sand and remember to sing.\u201d (Knight, 2024, Track 2)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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Helena Domenic<\/a>,