Nest – Woodsmoke

Band: Nest
Title: Woodsmoke
Label: Avantgarde Music
Release date: December 6th, 2024
Country: Finland
Format reviewed: High-Quality Digital Recording

“There is an ecstasy that marks the summit of life, and beyond which life cannot rise. And such is the paradox of living, this ecstasy comes when one is most alive, and it comes as a complete forgetfulness that one is alive.”

― Jack London, The Call of the Wild

Woodsmoke by Nest

It has been nearly 15 years since I first heard “Renewal”, my introduction to Nest, and my first encounter with the “kantele”, a traditional Finnish musical instrument. That moment sparked my passion for folk music, a passion that continues to this day. Nest is an atmospheric, acoustic, and ambient music project from Finland, deeply inspired by Finnish folklore, the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Grimm Brothers. Their first full-length album, “Woodsmoke”, is being re-released 20 years after its original debut. The album’s title reflects its profound connection to nature. The cover art enhances this theme: a serene lake symbolizes flexibility and resilience, while a forest in the left corner represents an untouched natural world. The green hues evoke harmony, renewal, and rebirth. On the right, a bird—likely an eagle—stands as a symbol of strength, freedom, and immortality.

“The Silvershade Lynx” opens with an atmospheric soundscape, accompanied by the gentle calls of birds, evoking the serene feeling of being deep within a forest. It paints a picture of the dawn of a new day. As the kantele joins in, it breathes life into the track, adding a sense of vibrancy and movement. The music conjures the imagery of a snowy forest, where a lynx—the keeper of secrets—lurks silently behind a tree, observing its surroundings. A man’s whispering voice weaves through the soundscape, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the composition. “Call of the Wild” begins with the kantele taking center stage, delivering a faster pace compared to the previous track. As its title suggests, the piece feels deeply rooted in the untamed wilderness. The sound of birds enhances the connection to nature, evoking the sensation of being summoned to join a forest ritual, harmonizing with the birds’ calls. Toward the end, the pace slows, and the resonating sound of an owl creates an enigmatic atmosphere. “By the Healing Waters” perfectly aligns with its title, opening with the soothing sound of flowing water that immediately evokes a sense of tranquility. The soundscapes in this track flow like water into my ears, conveying a sense of freshness.

Water, an essential element of nature, symbolizes flexibility and rejuvenation, while also representing healing, purification, and spiritual insight. “Otterheart” delivers a joyful track that embodies the concept of freedom. Its lighthearted tone sets the stage before transitioning into the next track, “Summer Storm”. Here, whisper-like voices emerge and fade amidst storm-like sounds, symbolizing uncertainty, change, and conflict. The track captures the essence of a sudden, violent storm that eventually subsides. Toward the end, as the whispers return, the sounds gradually calm, reflecting a sense of resolution and tranquility, setting the stage for “Calmly Passing Moments”. This track revisits atmospheric sounds, accompanied by spoken-word vocals that echo through a serene forest landscape, evoking deep relaxation. “Renewal”, my favorite track on the album, beautifully conveys themes of freshness, new beginnings, and nature’s inherent ability to renew itself. “Counting” begins slowly with the gentle sound of birds, capturing the liveliness of the mating season, where male birds sing to attract the attention of females. The kantele weaves through the track as if narrating a love story unfolding deep within the forest. Finally, “A Winternight Visage” closes the album, much like the end of a day. The soundscapes evoke the beginning of a cold night, accompanied by the voice of a man narrating the evening scene, adding an air of introspection and mystery to the track.

Overall, “Woodsmoke” masterfully portrays the essence of nature by incorporating natural elements and animals, both through their sounds and as inspirations for the track titles. I highly recommend this album to nature lovers and fans of folk and ambient music who wish to embark on a journey through the forest, especially during the cold winter season. 9/10 by Pegah

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9/10  Epic Storm
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