Album Review: All The Luck In The World - 'How The Ash Felt'

Berlin-based alternative folk outfit All The Luck In The World have shared their first album since 2018’s much-streamed A Blind Arcade. How The Ash Felt sees the trio immerse themselves in layered harmonies and an ethereal connection to nature. Harnessing a glittering electronic energy to inform their unique brand of storytelling and composition, there’s a softness that remains pivotal to the band.

Opening with ‘Five Feathers’, it’s clear that bolder arrangements and braver lyricism are on the menu. Foot’s references to diaristic memories of handmade cards kept safe, Father’s Day in French and playing pretend as a child are beautifully weaved through. There’s a maturity in subject matter - grief, heartbreak, anger and anxiety at the passing of time are all tangible.

‘Only Avenues’ is filled with warmth, effortlessly transporting us to faraway places while ‘Rue de L’Enver’ describes the attempt to escape “sorrows yet to fade”. ‘Talons’ remembers Neil’s mother, noting sadly that “this time last year, you were here”. ‘Hollowing’ and ‘Equinox’ evoke an otherworldly tone, but ‘Sparky’ includes gut-wrenching words that fail to fade from your mind’s eye. Closing offering ‘i’ve been trying’ has a Villagers-esque delicacy in its delivery. Silken strings mingle with tender guitar-plucking to sail the listener to elegiac shores.

8/10
Focus track: ‘Five Feathers’

How The Ash Felt is now via Neubau Music