Family acoustic-rock trio Wildwood Kin made quite the impression with their 2017 debut album ‘Turning Tides’. It set them on course for an enthralling ride which led to majestic performances at Glastonbury, Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park and the Teenage Cancer Trust’s ‘A Beautiful Night Out’ at the Royal Albert Hall – plus extensive support from Radio 2 and BBC Introducing. A growing fanbase fell under their spell in the process, pushing them past the 20 million streams landmark.
Now Wildwood Kin return with their self-titled second album, which is out today via Silvertone Records/Sony. Completely fulfilling the band’s artistic vision, it’s as natural as it is accomplished. The trio’s vocals harmonise effortlessly, there are shades of Simon & Garfunkel, Bear’s Den and early Fleet Foxes in the beautifully gentle melodies, and its lyrics address profound themes like love, loss and spirituality. But above all, there’s a spirit to the record that’s as wild and free as the West Country moors where they grew up.
Wildwood Kin’s recent singles have captured two sides of what to expect from the release of their new self-titled album out today. From the haunting drama of ‘Never Alone’ which was produced and co-written with Ed Harcourt, conveying a deeply personal and a message to anyone feeling as isolated as Meg Loney’s brother – who sadly committed suicide. To the elegant hymnal, Radio 2 playlisted ‘Beauty In Your Brokenness’, which was inspired by the Japanese art of ‘Kintsugi’ – the idea of something becoming more beautiful for having been damaged or broken. It’s a collection that’s shaping up to confirm their ascending status.
Completed by Meg’s cousins, the Key sisters Emillie (guitar) and Beth (bouzouki), Wildwood Kin are a band of equals with each member contributing equally. This time around they delved deeper into their sound by experimenting with a variety of co-writers across sessions in in LosAngeles, Nashville and Oxfordshire. These included Gabrielle Aplin on ‘Wake Up Sleeper’, AngeloPetraglia (Taylor Swift, KingsofLeon) on ‘Beathe’ and AlexDavies (Sigrid, Birdy) on ‘Signals’, with IanGrimble (Bear’s Den, Catfish & TheBottlemen) on production duties.
The songs are all built around messages that Wildwood Kin believe in. The warm-hearted ‘All On Me’ is similar in spirit to ‘The Weight’ by TheBand, a song about sharing the load with someone. ‘The Crown’ addresses the rise of political showmen, and asks if any would actually stand up for what they believe if their power was stripped away. The strident ‘Time Has Come’ is both a female empowerment anthem and a reminder to not let yourself be crushed by circumstance.
Wildwood Kin may have an unusual gift for harmony, and a way with evergreen folk rock melodies, but ultimately they’re three normal, relatable young women finding their way in the world and dealing with the same challenges, triumphs and tragedies as the rest of us. That connection, acceptance and, ultimately, love is captured throughout this beautifully reflective album. It is a tonic for our times. The album is out on CD, vinyl, and digital/streaming.
They’ll follow the new album by embarking upon a UK headline tour throughout November and early December. Highlights include at London headline show at Omeara as well as a homecoming date at The Lemon Grove in Exeter.
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