It’s a mystery to us at F&T how a band as good as Owl in the Sun stayed off our radar until their fourth album. Now that we’ve heard 'Into the Winter’s Night', we’re just glad we finally caught up!
How do you pin down the sound of Owl in the Sun? To call it “folk and swing” feels like an understatement. On their album ‘Into the Winter’s Night’, they weave together Americana, jazz, and folk into a vibrant, unique tapestry that is a genuine treat for the ears.
‘Into the Winter’s Night’ is fine example of this blend of creativity. Across the twelve songs on the record, the lyrics paint vivid pictures in the mind of the listener, all underpinned by self-arranged music that’s awash with dreamy harmonies.
The gentle tones of ‘West to Portland’ hint at escapism and longing, while the jazz infused ‘Hall of Mirrors’ conjures up imagery of a travelling carnival as the introspective lyrics appear to deal with self-awareness. ‘Rocket’s Song’ is a whimsical tale of a family dog and features some wonderful interplay between flute and accordion.
Owl in The Sun are made up of Colin Cain (guitar, vocals), Cathy Crozier-Cole (double bass, flute, vocals), Kate Bridge (fiddle, vocals), Tim Crozier-Cole (guitar, vocals), Damon Bridge (accordion, percussion) and Tom Cain (percussion).
‘The Margarita Swing’ and ‘Light Feet’ demonstrate the band’s ability to write light-hearted songs with timeless infectious melodies, while ‘Doggerland’ evokes an ethereal dreamscape inspired by the ancient land submerged beneath the North Sea.
The album’s emotional emotional anchor is ‘The Brookes Slaver’. It’s a haunting narrative that turns to horror as a young draughtsman discovers his talents are being exploited to design a slave ship, a realization that shatters his creative spirit.
As the record closes, the high-energy ‘Dr Stage’ captures the adrenaline of a live performance—complete with a flute solo that would give Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson a run for his money. Finally, the sun sets with ‘Sweet Loving Heart’. featuring Cathy Crozier-Cole on lead vocals, which leaves the listener with the comforting warmth of a goodbye between old friends.
Primarily acoustic with tasteful electric guitar accents, the album’s production is crisp and lush, making the vocal harmonies feel like warm sunshine on a spring morning. While a digital and CD release is currently the focus, the sheer depth of the recording makes a compelling case for a future vinyl pressing.
Brimming with infectious energy, ‘Into the Winter’s Night’ is a truly timeless record.