Novemthree - From These Ashes.. (c) 2010 LSR Artist....: Novemthree Album.....: From These Ashes.. Source....: WEB/MP3 Tracks....: 2 Genre.....: Folk Label.....: LSR Encoder...: LAME 3.100 Quality...: 320 kbps / 441kHz / Full Stereo URL.......: http://deezer.com/album/14996349 Tracklist: ---------- 1. Ashes 6:00 2. Cloister Garden 5:46 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 11:46 Total:28.52 MB / 11:46 Release Notes: -------------- Review from Plaguehaus: Novemthree is the project of Cascadian folk musician Pythagumus Marshall. While heÆs been releasing music under this moniker, I only discovered him a couple of years back through a beautiful 2 x 3" CDr split with fellow Folksters Arrowwood on his own Little Somebody Records. This was followed by another double 3" split on LSR with the Portuguese Folk Ambient project The Joy of Nature the following year. Both of these are worth seeking out. Besides great music, LSR specializes in mostly short run, handmade releases. For this release, we have a fantastic green 7" on the Chinese Midnight-Productions label. Side A consists of ôAshesö. This track begins with what sounds like the sound of a camp fire as the beautiful strums of an acoustic guitar gently begin. Minimal percussion begins, maybe a handmade drum, the gently jingling of sleigh bells (yes, I said jingle bells) as begins a chanting chorus of ahs and ohs that serves more as another instrument more than vocals. Soft strains of a pennywhistle completes the mix. ItÆs near the four minute mark that the vocals actually begin. I will restore, honor to our name. I will rise above, our family shame. ItÆs simpleàand completely powerful. This isnÆt some sit around the bonfire and sing ôKumbayaö hippie folk, thereÆs an underlying presence to the track that while captivating, is also a little bewitching. Side B belongs to ôCloister Gardenö. This track begins with the gurgling sounds of a brook or stream for a full minute before the guitar again enters the picture. And again Mr. MarshallÆs vocals serve more as an instrument than a voice, and this man has a fantastic voice. This track is a little more subdued, a little mellower, but still near perfect. Novemthree is the aural equivalent to a walk in the woods, an inner reflection, the smell of the forest after it rains. Yea, I know how this sounds, but itÆs really about a man who is directly influenced by his surroundings and its a perfect fit. I guess itÆs also a little cruel to mention there was a special limited to 100 edition that includes a CDr with the two tracks from the 7" along with eight others, all of them just as amazing as these two. It also included an embroidered patch and two buttons. I managed to grab one of these, but if youÆre unable to find that, donÆt let that stop you from picking up the vinyl. ItÆs one of my favorite Folk releases of the year. -Jeff Colwell