Ashes To Wildflowers
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
Listen to Ashes To Wildflowers
The Newcastle, UK outfit front by Scott Hepple bring plenty of psychedelic flavor to these 9 well crafted tracks that embrace analog recording and often touches on the ideas of the ‘60s/’70s.
“Letting Go” opens the listen with Hepple’s soaring guitar and flowing vocals being complemented by Tom Waterworth’s crisp drumming, and “Warm Night” follows with spirited harmonica and a dense climate that balances power and melody with a nostalgic feel.
“Caligula” lands in the middle and uses meticulous acoustic guitar and plenty of tambourine from Jennifer MacDermot for the unique folk textures, while “Spirit Animal” enters dreamy areas thanks to the wordless backing vocals from Sophie Keith.
Close to the end, the rugged “Wildfires” finds a lush place to reside thanks to the expressive singing and layered song craft, and “Chosen” exits with a raw folk strummer that’s jangly and timeless.
An excellent debut that interprets ideas from the past and takes in influences as wide as Black Sabbath and Neil Young, it will be exciting to see what Scott Hepple And The Sun Band do next.
Travels well with: Caleb Nichols- Let’s Look Back; Tele Novella- Merlynn Belle