Lunatic Soul – “Through Shaded Woods”

Lunatic Soul – Through Shaded Woods

I have most of Lunatic Soul’s 7-album catalog. Multi-talented creator, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mariusz Duda, has done a fantastic job throughout all the albums, that make up this solo project. On November 13, 2020, Mariusz and Lunatic Soul released the latest creative effort for Lunatic Soul, Through Shaded Woods.

Duda, also a creative talent with the famous Polish prog band Riverside, brings his talents to bare on music, inspired by dark Scandinavian and Slavic folk music; referencing bands like Heilung or Wardruna.

On Through Shaded Woods, Duda plays all instruments and avoids using electronics; instead using mostly acoustic instruments to capture the magic of his childhood home, an area of Poland known for its forests and lakes. Duda states, “I think I have always wanted to create an album steeped in nature and woodlands”.

Lunatic Soul’s Through Shaded Woods, opens with the danceable jig – like song, “Navvie”. It is the kind of song Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull make famous years ago. Excellent start to the album, with Duda providing beckoning vocals, and acoustic guitar and stringed instruments. A short, but wonderful album opener which will surprise Lunatic Soul fans expecting electric guitar and keyboards.

The second track, “The Passage”, is a standout and one of my favorite tracks on the album. It opens with quiet acoustic guitar and the mystery of the quiet woods that inspired its creation. Duda’ voice is perfect, “The trial has just begun. I know it. You’re my destiny. The final story. In the forest, in the dark. Will I find you there when you close my eyes?” A wonderful melody set to mystic vocals and lyrics. Later Duda adds some heavy electric guitars and some deep, dark, exotic keyboards. Easily one of the best songs of the year. Close your eyes and let yourself wonder, and wander through the forest in deep fall or early winter.

The title track, “Through Shaded Woods”, is another of the best tracks on this album of keepers. It is full of more electric guitars than the other tracks. Heavier spirits move this slower – paced melody. The echoing, and seemingly backing  vocal sound, reminds me of the effects Robin Becknold and the Fleet Foxes bring to their music. Only the lyrics and mood here is much darker.

“Oblivion”, picks up the pace again, with cool vocals and excellent drumming. Coupled with acoustic guitar and bass this is another favorite track. All of these tracks emit their own images. This song could easily have been included on Midlake’s The Courage of Others. The track has a melody similar to “Winter Dies”, or “Core of Nature”, only faster – paced. The comparison is worthy and meant as a compliment.

“The Summoning Dance”, is another wonderful walk through the forest, set to soft acoustic guitars and soft vocals from Duda. The perfect track to wander through a forest, amidst a soft cool rain. I think this song would fit comfortably on many of my favorite Midlake or Fleet Foxes’ albums. Beautiful acoustic guitar. Later the pace picks up and it does become more of a dance.                

“The Fountain”, is a monster of a closer. Just what the doc ordered for this complex and wonderful walk through the woods. It opens with the bright sunlight of acoustic guitar and Duda’s vocals, “On this side of awakening. I no longer wait for you to come. Summertime, a perfect moment. Streams of sounds wash away the darkness from my soul”. Another of the best songs of the year, and a song Midlake would have been proud to include on the monster album, The Courage of Others. The ending piano could have played on forever…

The wooded images were created by Tomasz Pulsakowski and Tomasz Bogdan. The cover symbol and corner designs were created by Julia Malec. The artwork design and layout was generated by Lukasz  “Pachu” Pach.

“The Passage” and the closer, “The Fountain”, are my favorites, but every track on this album commands your attention with brilliant and innovative acoustic music. A wonderful album to take for a walk through the woods. Every song is worth your attention. Please get this album, which arrives at the close of one of the world’s worst years on record. It takes you through the doom and gloom, to arrive at summertime, and a hopefully new beginning in 2021.

Track List

1. Navvie – 4:04
2. The Passage – 8:59
3. Through Shaded Woods – 5:52
4. Oblivion – 5:04
5. Summoning Dance – 9:54
6. The Fountain – 6:04

Lunatic Soul

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