Album Review: Hilary Woods – Birthmarks

Having already turned plenty of heads with her haunting and hypnotic 2018 debut, Colt, ex-JJ72 bassist Hilary Woods looks set to earn even more acclaim with its sequel. The product of two years’ work, Birthmarks is a beguiling eight-track affair that’s hard to pigeonhole. Conceived in Galway and Oslo, and informed by the work of Francis Bacon, photographer Francesca Woodman, and filmmaker Chris Marker, it’s an album about the power of imagination.

At times cinematic, at others flecked with dark folk, the album skilfully incorporates field recordings, drones and heavy noise, creating a world you’ll want to revisit over and over. Standouts include the twisted lullaby ‘Tongues Of Wild Boar’; the intimate and arresting ‘There Is No Moon’; and ‘Through The Dark, Love’, which invokes the eerie soundtrack of The Witch.

7/10

Out now.