The Anomoanon
Asleep Many Years In The Wood

"There are no more mid-seasons." "Things were better when they were worse." "Will and Ned Oldham are like Cain and Abel." Sure, it's not easy to break away from clichés. And it is especially not easy for the Anomoanon, the band led by Ned Oldham, often mistakenly remembered only as "the brother" of Bonnie "Prince" Billy. Brothers, yes, but not twins. Because while Will is introspective, brooding, enigmatic, and tormented, Ned is sunny, concrete, and immediate. And in this "Asleep Many Years In The Wood", Ned and his Anomoanon demonstrate excellent artistic maturity, with a simple and captivating folk, surely impactful, with sparkling flashes that at times openly pay tribute to rock. Sounds reminiscent of Neil Young and the Grateful Dead, sure, but with mature and personal songwriting, and some surprising tracks that deserve more than just a superficial listen.

The opener "Sixteen Ways" is probably the best moment of the album. Ned's voice is more intense and tenor-like than Will's, and it confidently navigates his dearest themes: family, the small and big joys of daily life, serenity, and its difficult conquest. Particularly moving is the "special guest star" of this track: little Sam Oldham, heard crying in the background, while new father Ned sings Until I hear you cry/ I cannot sleep/ I cannot rest. Until you cry/ I know that you're alive. Here, all of Ned and his desire for simplicity is present. Simplicity that appears in all its explosive splendor in the lively "Ain't Skeert", a very vibrant and energetic ballad, with its dazzling harmonica that reaches straight to your heart and warms you like a fire as evening descends.

"Bluebird Of Happiness" is a meditative and lyrical pause that preludes to "Kick Back", a confident and convincing rock in its traditionalism, which also indulges in fun, the joy of making music. And that's how it makes you smile, when you hear there even a nice cough and a war cry reminiscent of Indians and cavalry. But if this is an undoubtedly serene and clear album like an April sky, here comes Bonnie "Prince" Billy like a breath of autumn in themes of detachment and absence. So, in "One That Got Away", Ned and Will duet over a lost love, but without that tragic and obsessive inflection typical of the "Prince" Billy. So, Ned makes things clear right from the start: lost love, okay, but Baby/ I don't think about you all the time.

Finally, splendid is the title track "Asleep Many Years In The Wood" that closes the album. Scented with moss and dew, dreamy like a modern fairy tale, it is the seal Ned places like wax to protect this excellent distillate of folk music. To be sipped by those who have achieved a tranquil happiness. Because this is the true "bright side of the moon" of the Palace Brothers.