Nest was one of my favorite musical discoveries of 2013, with Both Men And Wild Beasts Listened To The Harper In The Glade / Live In Poland finding it’s way to my year-end Top 5 albums list. And as often happens in situation like this, I look for ways to further explore the artist’s catalog. Which is I how I find myself today, sitting on my sofa with a cup of coffee and gazing out into the early morning fog, listening to Fabled Lore & Hidden Stream.
Whereas …Live In Poland relied exclusively on the kantele and was devoid of vocals, Fabled Lore & Hidden Stream offers more varied instrumentation and some vocal tracks. Compositions such as the plaintive “An Oaken Citadel” add synths, chimes, and even a flourish of guitar to fill in the sonic space, deepening the mood beyond what the kantele can do on its own, offering both a richness and an electric charge to create a crescendo. “Last Vestige Of Old Joy” uses flute and guitar in a similar way, plus croaked vocals to provide somber context, telling the story of an old forest that died and has not returned, dark and melancholy but beautiful nonetheless. The progressions on the B side (Hidden Stream) have a Celtic feel, at least to my ears, though the vocals spread a layer of darkness underneath, never allowing you to get too comfortable.
Originally released as a limited edition (100 copies) CD in 2013, it got the cassette treatment this year by Gondolin Records in a slightly larger run (150 numbered copies). Prior to that, Fabled Lore was put out as a four-track CDr way back in 2000 and Hidden Stream was one half of a split release CD with Isafjord in 2001. The previously mentioned “Last Vestige Of Old Joy” is included as a bonus track on the A side (it looks to have been first released as part of a split single with Agalloch back in 2004). Physical copies appear to be sold out, both from the artist and label. However, you can listen and purchase a digital copy at the Gondolin Records Bandcamp page HERE if you are so inspired.