Birch Book — Vol. III - A Hand Full Of Days
The first time I heard In Gowan Ring, I was struck by how much B'ee sounded like Nick Drake. But there's more to him than just that, not merely being a mimic. The classic album the Glinting Spade has often caused B'ee to be lumped in the "neo-folk" genre just for the association with World Serpent Distribution, but he's always defied superficial labels. That album had more in common with classic 60s/70s British folk and early music, with some passages of trumpet and marching drums in between, combined with enigmatic, elliptical lyrics.
Things have changed since then, of course. 'A Hand Full of Days' has more of an American style of folk, with some country tinges almost making this fit into the "Americana" genre, but not quite. But it's still brilliantly done as only B'ee can make it. The warm, well-rounded sound quality harks back to classic early-70s folk recordings, and is fleshed out with percussion, piano and lap-steel. "Sad Song" is particularly great, with atmospherics that could've been right at home on Big Star's Third album. The lyrics are more upfront and direct as well -- you can easily make out what themes the songs are about here.
So here's to Birch Book. For fans of In Gowan Ring there should be plently to like here. And if anybody has never heard of either of these, but into folk music, be sure to check this out. Probably the best in the genre.