Castings, by Fern Knight (VHF)

Castings

by Fern Knight (VHF)

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$2 USD or more
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album
CD in digipak

Includes unlimited streaming of Castings via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

ships out within 3 days

Purchasable with gift card

$4 USD or more
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Vinyl LP in deluxe "tip on" gatefold jacket. Audiophile pressing.

Includes unlimited streaming of Castings via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

ships out within 3 days

1 remaining

Purchasable with gift card

$15 USD or more

1.	From Zero to Infinity 03:23	buy track
2.	The Poisoner 05:09	buy track
3.	Pentacles 04:07	buy track
4.	Long Dark Century 06:05	buy track
5.	Cave of Swords 04:31	buy track
6.	Cups + Wands 02:37	buy track
7.	The Eye of the Queen 05:03	buy track
8.	Epitaph 08:12	buy track
9.	Crumbling Stairs 06:50	buy track

about

Third vhf release of lovely psych/folk by this East coast quartet, written, arranged, and performed with the now expected quality and verve. Somewhat less fastidious than 2008's exquisitely arranged Fern Knight cd (vhf110), Castings has a warm, analog feel, with looser and louder performances from the quartet. Led as always by Margaret Ayre's voice, guitar, and cello, the group stretches out on rockier fare like "The Poisoner," growling with fuzz, while leaving plenty of room for softer moments of beautiful clarity. There's "jammy" moments here, but everything is expertly sized and placed, with not a moment wasted on doodles. The centerpiece of the album is the band's treatment of the King Crimson epic "doom" classic "Epitaph." Trading their own cello and violin for the original's signature mellotron, the group channels the vibe of the original while making it their own. Margaret's cool and understated vocal plays it straight in a situation that less assured players and performers would make a bombastic mess of. As on the self-titled CD, Jesse Sparhawk's harp and James Wolf's violin provide the heart of the sound in many spots, a unique strategy that lets the band update the classic genre forms and styles while making them their own.

credits

released February 15, 2017

Margaret Ayre - Vocals, Cello, Acoustic Guitar
Jesse Sparhawk - Harp, Electric Bass, Drums, Electric Guitar, Vocals
Jim Ayre - Electric Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Vocals
James Wolf - Violin

All songs written by Margaret Ayre (BMI, Goats and Wolves)
Except for "Epitaph": words and music composed by Fripp-Giles-Lake-McDonald-Sinfield (Universal Music/EG Music Ltd)
Co-produced by Margaret and Jim Ayre
Recorded by Jim Ayre
Assisted by Geoff Bucknum
Recorded at Buckshot Manor, January 2009
Mixed by Alan Ford
Mastered at Salt Mastering
"Long Dark Century" recorded at OASTEM! Vibe Studios, January 2010
Art and design by Derek Moench
Cover photos by Derek Moench
Band photo by Geoff Bucknum
Brass and winds on "Cave of Swords" played by Jon Natchez

Special Thanks: Geoff Bucknum, Rosali Middleman, Derek Moench, Eric Carbonara, Scott Wells, Evan Wells, David Chadwick, Amy and Howard Wuelfing, Thelesis Lodge, and Bill Kellum

license

about

Fern Knight (VHF) Arlington, Virginia

contact / help

Contact Fern Knight (VHF)

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Fern Knight (VHF), you may also like:

Fourth Density
by Daniel O'Sullivan

supported by 16 fans who also own “Castings”

Cosmic ear candy from VHF! Perfect soundtrack for your party in the astral plane!! Paatoimitus
go to album
Evening Measures
by Mike Gangloff

supported by 15 fans who also own “Castings”

Another great addition to my neo-Appalachian collection! Drone and fiddling? Count me in! <3 keltheimp
go to album
Holy Letters
by L

supported by 15 fans who also own “Castings”

Intimate recordings of a Japanese guy playing guitar and talking to himself while the universe swirls around him. This really resonated with me. Lazarski
go to album
Sister
by Maer

Maer, from Switzerland, debut with a haunted (and haunting) folk song that will warm you heart as it sends shivers down your spine. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 23, 2022
go to album
Too Many Souls
by Avi C. Engel

The haunting new record from Canadian folk artist Avi C. Engel bridges old and new traditions with a minimalist approach. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 24, 2024
go to album
Halcyon Days
by Kevin Farge

A vibrant vision of "Central Americana" from the Costa Rica-based artist, blending heartland devotionals with playful Tropicália grooves. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 27, 2022
go to album
Electric Māyā: Dream Flotsam and Astral Hinterlands
by Daniel O'Sullivan

supported by 15 fans who also own “Castings”

Library music never sounded so good. At moments it recedes into the background with Alice Coltrane-worthy drone; then at other moments I go into the background when synth drift reminiscent of SoiSong or Chris Carter pop up. Excellent accompaniment to help enliven an otherwise deadening workday... Eric K
go to album