Although created in England, this album evokes Laurel Canyon-era folkiness with serene three-way harmonies and lilting melodies.
London-based ‘The Wandering Hearts’ are Tara Wilcox (vocals), Chess Whiffin (vocals, mandolin) and A.J. Dean (vocals, acoustic guitar).
‘Mother’ is dedicated to maternal transformation and composed at the appropriately named “The Music Womb,” home studio in Darlington owned by Whiffin who recalls “I was pregnant when we started making the record, and Tara was pregnant when we finished it.”
The collection of warm refrains and personal musings was produced and engineered by Steve Milbourne. Chess Whiffin says the record “was born out of the feeling of attempting to navigate difficult times, have the conversations we need to have, and get rid of what we don’t need in our lives.” A good example of this philosophy comes in the line “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything” in Hold Your Tongue.
Strident centrepieces Not Misunderstood and River To Cry blend with softer reflections on Letter To Myself (“You don’t have to have it all figured out”) and Will You Love Me.
The breezy closing track - What Fools Believe - is a reminder not to take life too seriously or sweat the small stuff.
These hymns to 1970s era soft folk-pop are light but never lightweight. The eleven songs are dedicated to a striving for greater honesty and authenticity in our lives.
