I've been writing about all sorts of Welsh musicians more and more the last few years. Dark and Twisties hail largely from Wales (I believe), but this album has a lot more in common with the likes of the McGarrigles (in all of their various existences). As near as I can tell, all of the songs are in English, though the press notes break out a bit of Welsh, perhaps just to be cheeky.

Dark and Twisties Ungrateful Women (self-released)

A big pile of rollicking folk songs that feature stunning vocals (sometimes in unison, but more generally in orchestra--celestial?--harmonies), this album opens up wide and simply swallows listeners whole. Kinda like falling through a cloud, this immersion feels both comforting and almost frightening in its beauty. The songs themselves aren't particularly harrowing, but the instant attraction surely is.

When done well, this sound is almost unassailable. I've listened to dozens of albums that aspire to this sort of brilliance, but actually hearing such astonishing sounds leaves all senses tingling. When the last notes fade, the withdrawal is intense.

Dark and Twisties is something of a side project. When the chemistry is this strong, there's every chance that it might become a primary focus. I'm hoping, though I'll take another sip from the chalice whenever it might arrive. Something close to divine.

Jon Worley