Woods Of Light, the moniker for Ottawa-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Brian Gunther, offers an intimate, home-crafted experience with his latest release, Newcastle Park. Gunther, who writes, arranges, produces, records, and mixes all of his music in his home studio, presents a work that recalls the introspective warmth of early Bon Iver and Red House Painters. The album pulls you into a contemplative space, where the lyrics may almost seem secondary to the emotional atmosphere they evoke.
Opening with the expansive title track, Newcastle Park immediately signals its intent with a sprawling, ten-minute journey that’s more reminiscent of post-rock in structure than the folk-tinged melancholia you might expect. It's a deliberate slow burn, rich with reflective moments that linger long after the track fades.
If the opener resonates with you, the rest of the album is bound to follow suit. While the emotional resonance remains steeped in a warm, melancholic glow, there are subtle shifts between light and shade that keep the experience dynamic.
“Blue-Eyed Stranger” stands out as a highlight, with its haunting vocals and delicate guitar work serving as the album's core. Gunther’s approach here is all about restraint—soft, lush drums and bass create a foundation that never overshadows the main elements but rather enhances their impact.
“Left Behind” captures a delicate beauty, like the first light of dawn, while “Words We Never Say” injects a rare burst of energy into the album, driven by its brisk tempo.
Yet, this is just the surface. Each track on Newcastle Park contributes to a cohesive whole, with not a single weak link in the chain. It’s a record that demands a complete listen—there’s not a moment to skip.
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