Album Review: The Hedge Schools - At The End of a Winding Day
Review by Peter Nagle
Rarely has an album title been such a good instruction manual as 'At The End of a Winding Day'. This is a calming album of hushed sentiments, delicate arrangements and lingering atmosphere from Dublin band The Hedge Schools which is designed for relaxed late night listening.
I did struggle on the first few listens in the car as I was either on the way or returning from work so the involuntary demand of repeat plays from night time listening surprised me somewhat.
The drawn out style of Patrick Barrett's vocals suits the atmospheric feel of the album but can at times prevent clarity of lyrics and therefore while the music arrangement is outstanding throughout, many songs come and go without leaving a lasting impression.
I found the 'second' half of the album must better than the first. In fact the final three tracks are quality with album closer 'A Song For JM Barrie' being the outstanding track on the album.
'At The End of a Winding Day' has a lot going for it if you give it time to breath. It's released now through bandcamp and there's a special performance of the album in it's entirety in The Kevin Barry Room at The National Concert Hall on March 12th.
The Hedge Schools - At The End of a Winding Day
[7 out of 10]
Links: http://thehedgeschools.bandcamp.com/album/at-the-end-of-a-winding-day
https://www.nch.ie/Online/Hedge-Schools-12Mar15
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