Woolly Leaves: Quiet Waters

Woolly Leaves don’t leave much to the imagination, with a laidback, slightly tranquil roots-meets-folk feeling oozing out of “Everyone Else”. Lead singer and songwriter Will Kidman has a sincere, earnest delivery throughout many of these songs, backed by a barren background that brings the listener into this numbers quickly. This especially true on the heart-tugging live performance of “Walk With Light”. It’s as if you’re listening into a session that is oftentimes off limits judging by the lovely “People and the Planets” that recalls Luna or a duet between Caitlin Cary and Ryan Adams. Fans of Bright Eyes or a very pared down Calexico would also enjoy “Big City”, which has Kidman not quite singing the song but not speaking the lyrics either. Although there are many strong pieces, perhaps the highlight is “Neverending Song” with its airy harmonies. But despite the flighty feel, the album takes a far darker tone during “Quiet Waters”. The up-tempo moment (if one exists here) has to be the dirge-ish “Soft Place to Call Home”. It’s an album that’s difficult to get into, but quickly difficult to take from your player.