Woods Darling West

• 1 Faster 03:27
• 2 Oh Maria 03:22
• 3 - Season - 01:58
• 4 Off to the Woods 03:17
• 5 - Woods - 01:00
• 6 In the Woods 03:05
• 7 Time Is the Healer 04:23
• 8 - Time - 00:54
• 9 Our Little World 02:29
• 10 - Silence - 01:10
• Total Runtime 25:05

Info for Woods

On Woods, Darling West returns to their roots, embracing the magic of an acoustic and stripped-down soundscape that they became known for on their debut in 2014. With the duo of Mari and Tor Egil Kreken at the helm, they have created a release that is as much about fantastic folk songs as it is for soothing for the soul.

The past year forced a deep need for peace and reflection after hectic years of touring and releases, and with that came a pressing need for the band to spend time in the nature – the best remedy for inner restlessness. The musical result was a minimalist release, with songs about some good, some bad, and some broken relationships, and not least, the relationship to the forest and nature. Hence the title Woods.

The arrangements on Woods are more stripped-down than what they typically are with a full band, but although drummer Thomas Gallatin and guitarist Christer Slaaen don't play much on this release, they have been heavily involved in songwriting, arranging, and production. Their focus has been on creating songs and atmospheres that stick with the listener, which has also allowed Tor Egil Kreken to make good use of his newfound love (obsession, really) with the pedal steel guitar, while Håkon Aase contributes with otherworldly beautiful strings.

Mari Sandvær Kreken, vocals, nylon string guitar, acoustic guitar
Tor Egil Kreken, bass VI, pedal steel, banjo, acoustic guitar & electric guitar, vocals
Thomas Gallatin, percussion, drum machine, Gran Casa, vocals
Christer Gracia Slaaen, Mellotron, piano, synthesizer
Håkon Aase, strings and string arrangement

Recorded by Thomas Gallatin in Riverside Studios
Mixed by Kai Worley
Mastered by Espen Høydalsvik at Oslo Fuzz
Produced by: Thomas Gallatin, Mari Sandvær Kreken, Tor Egil Kreken, Christer Gracia Slaaen

Darling West
decamped for a tiny island on Norway’s west coast to begin writing what was to become Cosmos, their fifth studio album. For the first time, the band’s core – married couple Mari and Tor Egil Kreken – have included band members Thomas Gallatin and Christer Slaaen in the songwriting and production process. As a larger united, Darling West has really evolved. Cosmos is indeed the sound of expansion.

West coast, cosmic folk, americana… Call it what you will – there are even hints of afro blues on here – but where the band once fit firmly in the folk/americana category, you might as well just call it pop these days.

Cosmos was recorded and produced in its entirety by Darling West. Vocal guests on the album include Matthew Logan Vasquez (Delta Spirit) and Jarle Bernhoft, while David Wallumrød, Lars Horntveth and Torjus Vierli all excel on keys. Finally, the one and only Rob Moose (Paul Simon, Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, Phoebe Bridgers) provides strings on “Till Night Turns to Day” and “Old Man”.

The listener is also awarded plenty of what we’ve come to love from Darling West: Mari Kreken’s gorgeous voice and Tor Egil Kreken’s incredibly versatile playing (guitar, bass, banjo, etc.) playing. The sum of these parts makes up a magical record, with songs and melodies that will stay on your mind for the unforeseeable future.

While many struggled to keep their heads up during the pandemic, the band did their best to contribute positively, and came out on the other side with a growing, dedicated fanbase, due to their incredibly popular “Family Sessions” on Youtube. A recurring concept where they featured a host of friends and other artists, thus creating a community – or family – which is still going strong.

The music on Cosmos searches outward, while the lyrics look inward. The resulting record includes elements of pop, while it pushes the envelope for what Norwegian americana can sound like. Cosmos is also about loving yourself, and there are of course a handful of love songs about shaky relationships – as we’ve come to expect from Darling West.

The band continues to develop their unique musicianship and Cosmos is indeed another masterstroke from the band.

This album contains no booklet.