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Reviewed by Olly Clifton

A Dead Forest Index: In All That Drifts From Summit Down

Reviewed by Olly Clifton

A Dead Forest Index: In All That Drifts From Summit Down

This very original collection of songs combines genre elements in an often surprising and atmospheric way. A Dead Forest Index is Adam and Sam Sherry, the Euro-based brothers performing mainly guitar, drums, organ and vocals. Guitar parts are sometimes folky and acoustic, strummed slowly, and at other times borrow elements of post-punk musicianship, strummed downwards quickly and continuously. The excellent vocals always sit presently over the tracks, reverb soaked and choral, feeling religious in tone – similar in style to recent tracks by Wellington trio Groeni. The drumming is interesting throughout. Rhythms are fairly straight but hi-hats are forgone in favour of thumping toms and kicks. On songs like Sand Verse and Homage Old the percussion sits in the background, beating war drum-like rhythms creating a very epic atmosphere. Recorded and mixed by Simon Gooding at York St, the 13 tracks mostly range between three and five minutes, with a few short experimental moments welcome additions. ‘In All That Drifts From Summit Down’ is best listened to in sequence and will be enjoyed by anyone with an appreciation of the more experimental side of folk, post punk and measured atmospheric vocal music.