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‘Naked Shadows’ from Fort King (May 07, 2009) Description is difficult but worth a try. Possibly ‘individualistic American folk’ would satisfy or perhaps ‘Californian-based psyche-folk’ or even ‘bohemian alt-folk’. None of these and yet all of them reflect the multiple lines of influence and essence flowing through ‘Naked Shadows’ from Fort King. The second album
release from Autumn Ferment Records, this is a collection of contemplative
songs created by Ryan Fuller (vocals, acoustic guitar), whose creation is
Nine tracks in all and some are stunning. Fort King (name taken from an 1800’s military fort in Florida) open ‘Naked Shadows’ with ‘Osceola’ a haunting tribute to the betrayed and imprisoned Seminole war-chief Osceola. They continue with ‘Hanging On’ a lost-love song – “I feel you gone like a tongue where a tooth’s been missin’” – wonderful imagery. ‘Tanabata’ is the only instrumental on the album and uses the cello to create a short but daunting piece. ‘Black Palms’ paints a dark image of hopelessness effectively mixing acid-sharp lyrics with delicate guitar and ukulele. As I said earlier, description is difficult. This album offers an intriguing mix. Whatever the subject, Ryan’s vocals move effortlessly between reflective, meditative, soulful and compassionate. There is a gentle Laurel Canyonesque sound (for those old enough to remember it) joined by country tones, overlaid with darker elements of newly crafted alt-folk vocals and rhythms. Not an album for everyone because for some it will demand too much of them, but persevere. One play is not enough, repeated plays will reward your persistence.
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Fort
King. With him on the album there is Catherine Campion (cello, chord organ)
Yohei Shikano (electric guitars, banjo) Cheryl Caddick (frame drum, harmonium)
Andrew McIver (piano) Jim Reynolds (bass vocals) John Thompson (drums, vocals)
plus the assembled musical talents of Jawnee Burx, Julian Shah, David Klein,
Hilde Susan Jaegtnes and Yvette Dudoit.