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Arthuan Rebis — Sacred Woods
(Black Widow BWR 239, 2021, CD / LP / DL)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2023-02-20

Sacred Woods Cover art

Alessandro Cucurnia, AKA Arthuan Rebis, is an Italian multi-instrumentalist (vocals, Celtic harp, nyckleharpa, esraj, classic guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, Irish whistles, bawu, gaita, frame drums, percussion, synths, sound bed, sequencers, and bass) and Sacred Woods is his third solo album. On this mystical journey through the steamy woodlands of acid folk, he is joined on various tracks by Nicola Caleo Timer Shine (bodhran, sequencers, percussion, and cymbals), Emanuele Ysmail Milletti (fretless bass), Vincenzo Zitello (bardic harp, fujara, and santoor), Paolo Tofani Krsna Prima Das (narration), Giada Colagrande (vocals), Mia Guldhammer (vocals), Gabriele Gasparotti (synths), Glen Velez (bodhran), and Federico Sanesi (tabla). I am reminded at times of Loreena McKennitt’s ethnic world music, especially on the excellent “Kernunnos,” a particularly dark song based on a traditional Danish ballad “Den bagvendte vise.” As well as the exceptional “Runar” that is based on the 13th Century Icelandic poem Hávamál. And not to be restricted by folklore, Arthuan Rebis also sets J. R. R. Tolkien’s beautiful Elvish hymn to the Queen of the Stars “A Elbereth Gilthoniel” to his unique acid folk vision, though lacking the Elvish edge of Tolkien’s recitation. In between are various acoustic and electric songs that are more than mere acid folk, and the album closes surprisingly with a cover of Comus’ “Diana,” though not near as outré as the original — this cover is a gentle melodius reading. If you are fascinated by dark forests, misty moors, and faerie, you will find a home with Sacred Woods.

Filed under: New releases, 2021 releases

Related artist(s): Arthuan Rebis (Alessandro Cucurnia)

More info
http://arthuanrebis.bandcamp.com/album/sacred-woods

 

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