While I’m generally not drawn to acoustic folk as a genre, Spell Songs transcends the typical parameters of folk music. The ensemble—featuring Karine Polwart, Kris Drever, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter, Seckou Keita, Jim Molyneux, and Julie Fowlis—offers enough instrumental and vocal variety to keep every track engaging. From harp and kora to cello and harmonium, the textures shift and evolve in ways that surprise the ear, even while remaining rooted in traditional acoustic instrumentation. This album maintains thematic cohesion while allowing each track to feel distinct and self-contained.

Track-by-Track Review:

1. Birds of the Blizzard

The album opens with a slow, stirring track. “Birds of the Blizzard” begins with a soft piano melody and gentle female vocals. Gradually, other vocalists and instruments enter, creating a beautiful, layered soundscape that evokes birds in the forest on a winter’s day. Though the tempo remains steady, the interplay of multiple voices and instruments keeps the song dynamic and compelling.

2. Thrift – Dig In, Dig In

One of the more playful tracks on the album, this piece stands in bright contrast to the opener. Named after the hardy coastal flower, “Thrift” pulses with springtime vitality. Harp and light percussion conjure the energy of sea spray, while nimble voices dance over rapid guitar and harmonium lines. It’s a joyful, energetic highlight—and one of my favorites.

3. Red Is Your Art

This upbeat and warm track blends guitar, harmonium, cello, and vocals to portray the vivid petals and intricate shapes of its floral subject. The elegance of its flowing structure and subtle rhythmic shifts lend it a graceful, painterly quality.

4. Otter

Beginning with a spoken-word poem over guitar, “Otter” gradually builds as more instruments join in. Once the poem concludes, the music transitions into a bright, flowing instrumental passage that paints a vivid picture of an otter gliding through water on a spring day. The gentle, fluid melody mirrors the animal’s movement, creating a quiet moment of magic that seamlessly unites book, image, and live performance.

5. Charm On, Goldfinch

Bright, airy, and melodic, this track opens with a whistled motif over soft acoustic guitar. Bright vocals depict a goldfinch in flight, soon joined by other instruments to build a playful but never cloying sound. The lightness of tone is balanced by strong musical craftsmanship.

6. Heartwood

A deep and resonant song told from the perspective of a tree pleading not to be cut down. It begins with vocals and soft piano but gradually expands with additional instrumentation to form a rich, memorable melody. “Heartwood” is emotionally potent and one of the album’s standout pieces.

7. Curlew

A moodier, more ambient offering, “Curlew” begins with a female vocalist accompanied by acoustic guitar. Her verses are gently shadowed by vocal harmonies that echo the call of the curlew. A male vocalist takes over for the second verse, supported by a fuller instrumental arrangement. A third singer brings a shift in tempo for the final verse, making this a particularly diverse and layered song that adds emotional depth to the album.

8. Little Astronaut

Softer but still atmospheric, “Little Astronaut” is led by a male vocalist and piano. It gradually builds with light percussion, rhythmic cello, and additional voices, resulting in a fuller, more expansive sound. The lyrics suggest a journey beyond the forest—perhaps into space—capturing a childlike sense of wonder and exploration.

9. Heron

Gentle, elegant, and reflective, this track unfolds slowly like the graceful bird it’s named after. The harp and cello engage in a delicate musical dialogue, while the vocals hover with quiet poise, creating a mood that is serene and introspective.

10. The Lost Words Blessing

The finale brings poetic and spiritual closure. The ensemble harmonizes subtly behind lines that are spoken or sung, weaving together multiple spells into a single benediction. It’s a reverent celebration of nature, language, and collaboration—one that lingers long after the final note fades.

Final Thoughts

Gift of Light is a triumph—not only as a live album, but as a concept. It succeeds in translating the quiet spellwork of Macfarlane’s poetry into something audible and alive. While its foundation is unmistakably folk, the album draws from a rich palette of world music influences, chamber instrumentation, and even minimalist composition. The varied vocalists and instrumental combinations ensure that even those skeptical of the genre (like myself) will find moments of genuine connection.

For fans of traditional acoustic music, Gift of Light offers richness, nuance, and expert musicianship. For newcomers or skeptics, it’s an accessible, heartfelt gateway into a genre that still has much to say. And for those who cherish nature and language, it’s a timely reminder: the world is still full of names worth knowing—and songs worth singing.

Purchase here: https://hudsonrecords.ffm.to/giftsoflight