Tepid Toad Records are a private press label based in Austin, Texas, with a focus on “folk, psych, primitive guitar and everything in between”, a tag line that nicely encompasses the output of Alula Down, a UK-based avant-folk duo consisting of Mark Waters and Kate Gathercole. Both are also members of the renowned Weirdshire Collective, known for organising excellent music events in and around Hereford.
Kate Gathercole’s vocals possess a dreamy quality reminiscent of Paul Giovanni’s soundtrack for The Wicker Man. Their rendition of “High Germany” is both alluring and haunting, with Waters’ double bass providing a feel reminiscent of Pentangle’s more subdued moments. Additionally, the sound of children laughing and playing, recorded in Gaza, adds a layer of both poignancy and sadness to the track.
According to the release notes, Summer Song originated as an improvisation, “it was one of those days in mid-August when the days are warm and slow, and a sense of oneness / harmony amongst every thing is tangible.” Kate wrote a guest article for us a while ago in which she also touched on harmony with nature, something that is clearly important to her. She wrote:
“A place where – stepping outside the backdoor, feeling the relief of the cool clear air, the physicality of the weaving birdsong around us, the touch of rain on our skin – we remember, just for a moment, that we are made of the same stuff as the rain and the trees.”
Released on November 14th, it is available digitally and as a Limited Edition 7″ Lathe Cut Vinyl via Bandcamp: https://tepidtoadrecords.bandcamp.com/album/high-germany-summer-song