Forget your expectations, for “Perennial” isn’t just a new Woods album, it’s a portal to a sonic wonderland. Two decades and twelve albums deep, these musical chameleons shed their skin yet again, weaving intricate tapestries of loops, psychedelic orchestras, and radiant compositions. Keys shimmer, mellotrons moan, fuzzed guitars dance, and Jeremy Earl’s vocals float through it all like cotton candy dreams.
But “Perennial” isn’t a sugar rush. These breezy arrangements pirouette with surprising grace, defying the shackles of perfection. Imagine the band’s live magic bottled, the captivating licks of “Between the Past” and “Little Black Flowers” snaking through your ears, reminding you what pure sonic elasticity feels like. Explosive pop explosions like “Weep” erupt unexpectedly, while dreamy instrumentals like “The Seed” bathe you in moonlight.
This kaleidoscope of sound – pedal steel twanging, organs thrumming, Wurlitzers chirping, autoharps plucking, vibraphones shimmering, saxophones wailing – adds layers of intrigue to every track. Lush ethereal ballads like “Double Dream” dissolve into the dark, driving groove of “Another Side.” It’s an otherworldly experience, questioning reality with every note, luring you into a sweet sonic hypnosis where exploration and reverie hold hands.
“Perennial” is Woods at their zenith, effortless artistry blossoming into eclectic brilliance. Each song flows seamlessly into the next, a cohesive journey through sun-drenched meadows and moonlit forests. The album breathes with the same mystery and allure as the California ocean they recorded it beside. And in the face of their endless creative wellspring, one thing is clear: Woods aren’t just making music, they’re living it, and inviting us to join the groove.
So, shed your preconceptions, step into the “Perennial” portal, and let Woods rewrite your sonic reality. This isn’t just an album, it’s an adventure. – Jason Felton