Wolf Song
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who was born and raised in Alabama, Melody Duncan’s childhood was rich with diverse music, and that certainly carries over to the varied sounds of this debut solo album that she wrote, performed and recorded herself.
After the brief “Prelude” opens the album with spiritual, a cappella voices harmonizing in a wordless way, “Wolf Song” follows with Duncan’s unique, gravelly vocals guiding the string friendly, folk influenced landscape of beauty and eloquence.
Closer to the middle, “Dear Friend” carries an orchestral feel to its intimate and acoustic guitar fueled climate that even recruits a whistle solo, while “Paper” resonates a dreamy quality as Duncan’s versatile pipes show much range. “Reunion”, another very strong track, then benefits from warm keys as a very poetic appeal helps make this the standout.
The final two tracks, “Campfire” and “Rainstorm”, don’t disappoint either, as the former is a quick display of Duncan’s inimitable brand of folk song craft, and the latter, believe it or not, is 4+ minutes of the sound of rain, which actually comes with a meditative effect that complements the soft nature of the entire record.
Duncan picked up much experience in her years playing for and touring with The Mulligan Brothers, and that combined with her lifelong interest in all things musical helps shape this unique and alluring indie-rock, Americana, chamber and folk-pop adventure.
Travels well with: Julian Taylor- The Ridge; Siren Songs- Siren Songs