Acony Vinyl & CDs

Review: Gillian Welch and David Rawlings' Woodland is their first album of original material together, blending the warmth of folk and the richness of country. After years apart from recording new songs, the duo reaffirms their connection, centering the album on their intertwined voices and delicate guitar interplay. Themes of love, loss, division and reconciliation are explored with tender care, weaving personal narratives with broader societal undercurrents. The album's sonic landscape expands beyond their usual acoustic guitar base. Tracks like 'What We Had' feature strings that complement Rawlings' high, Neil Young-like vocals, while pedal steel and slide guitar add emotional texture to songs such as 'The Day Mississippi Died' and 'North Country'. The arrangements are understated yet rich, enhancing the mood without overwhelming the subtle beauty of their storytelling. Lyrically, the duo draws from classic folk traditions, nodding to influences like Guy Clark and Bob Dylan, while addressing contemporary issues with timeless resonance. Songs such as 'Hashtag' blend humor with reflections on modern life, while 'Empty Trainload of Sky' and 'Lawman' evoke vivid imagery of life's fragility and the persistence of hope. Welch and Rawlings' ability to craft intimate, poignant songs that feel timeless, rooted in tradition yet alive to the present. It's an album that rewards close listening, as each layer reveals deeper emotional truths.