Whistling Arrow – “Whistling Arrow” – [God Unknown]

Thurston Hunger   4/24/2024   12-inch, A Library

Tony Conrad at a Renaissance festival? Nah….but powerful 2019 release. 99.9% instrumental, 6 piece band showcasing the dashing Charles Hayward and the darting violin of Laura Cannell (see These Feral Lands…please!) Cannell brings along Andre Bosman for double-barrel fiddle power. It works! Add in three members of Ex-Easter Island Head who caught the ears of Earl Grey and the airwaves of KFJC from the 2017 Liverpool Broadcast. The opening track calls to mind the band’s name (arrows with holes to Whistle or Scream or otherwise add to the attack in battles of yore). The music less aggressive more enchanting. Active drone stylings, led by Cannell/Bosman. “Forking Paths” rides a locomotive percussion shuffle courtesy of Hayward – at times this “Arrow” pierces my penchant for The Necks. Sliced shorter pieces but an overall unified hypnotic sound, the band as single organism with low-end piano (Jonathan Hering) as a supportive pedestal. Some voice crowns the triumphant closing “Magician” Is it Cannell, Hayward falsetto, Tiresias?? Excellent end to a coherent and soothing/stirring album. Red marbled vinyl to boot.

-Thurston Hunger