France, 1976, progressive folk / Auvergnat folk
Feels timeless because of how rooted the music is in tradition. For me the highlight is the end of Side A, “Le luneux”, a very simple yet beautiful folk tune with only a solitary female voice and sparse instrumentation. There’s no room for error here, and the band nails it. I’m really glad they didn’t bring drums into the mix. The hurdy gurdy, dulcimer, mandolin, violin, and crumhorn are just what this music needs. Amazing how one album can be so festive and so melancholy at the same time.
Museum Musica 