Fern Knight – “Music For Witches and Alchemists ” – [Vhf]

This is the second full length release from Fern Knight, a project led by Margie Wienk, a talented player of many stringed instruments who has performed with a number of groups, most notably, Espers. And Espers is the appropriate name to drop, as Wienk is supported on this release by Espers’ Greg Weeks (acid leads and vocals), Otto Hauser (percussion), and Meg Baird (vocals). Not surprisingly, the music they create is top notch contemporary acid folk (augmented on some tracks with unique sonic treatments from instruments such as accordian, harmonium, harp, and bowed saw!) that bears an uncanny similarity to the music of Espers. Highlights include “Awake, Angel Snake”, “W. Memphis”, and “The Dirty South”. I’m not sure how this album slipped under our radar when it was initially released in 2006, but I’m certainly glad KFJC caught up on this instant acid folk classic!