Laura Cannell's 'Brightly Shone the Moon' is a poignant exploration of winter's dualities: joy and heartache, festivity and desolation. This hauntingly beautiful folk album marks the veteran musician's most introspective work yet, delving into the complexities of the holiday season.
The album's title, inspired by the line in Good King Wenceslas before the frosts arrive, sets the tone for a sonic journey through time. Cannell begins with the organ, evoking memories of her childhood Christmases in Norfolk's Methodist chapels and churches. Her fiddle then takes center stage, weaving around 16th-century melodies like O Christmas Tree/O Tannenbaum, conjuring a sense of nostalgia and longing.
Tracks like "All Ye Faithful" convey the suffocating weight of winter, with Cannell's voice stuck in an emotional loop, yearning for connection. Yet, amidst this melancholy, moments of beauty emerge: the lilting high melodies of "Lost in a Merry Christmas," which flutter around each other in a delicate dance; the icy rush of "Bleak Midwinter," which injects a frisky kind of hope into its melody.
The album's title also hints at the fragile nature of human emotions during this time of year. Cannell tackles themes of love and heartache, with songs that capture the quiet desperation and longing that often accompanies winter. The apocalyptic "Angels Falling from the Realms" serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and love.
In short, 'Brightly Shone the Moon' is an album for those willing to immerse themselves in the complex emotions that winter brings. While it may not be for the festive masses, this deeply personal work invites listeners to step into its haunting beauty, where ancient songs and long-forgotten hymns await discovery like tiny sparks of light on a snowy night.
The album's title, inspired by the line in Good King Wenceslas before the frosts arrive, sets the tone for a sonic journey through time. Cannell begins with the organ, evoking memories of her childhood Christmases in Norfolk's Methodist chapels and churches. Her fiddle then takes center stage, weaving around 16th-century melodies like O Christmas Tree/O Tannenbaum, conjuring a sense of nostalgia and longing.
Tracks like "All Ye Faithful" convey the suffocating weight of winter, with Cannell's voice stuck in an emotional loop, yearning for connection. Yet, amidst this melancholy, moments of beauty emerge: the lilting high melodies of "Lost in a Merry Christmas," which flutter around each other in a delicate dance; the icy rush of "Bleak Midwinter," which injects a frisky kind of hope into its melody.
The album's title also hints at the fragile nature of human emotions during this time of year. Cannell tackles themes of love and heartache, with songs that capture the quiet desperation and longing that often accompanies winter. The apocalyptic "Angels Falling from the Realms" serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and love.
In short, 'Brightly Shone the Moon' is an album for those willing to immerse themselves in the complex emotions that winter brings. While it may not be for the festive masses, this deeply personal work invites listeners to step into its haunting beauty, where ancient songs and long-forgotten hymns await discovery like tiny sparks of light on a snowy night.
it's like she's tapping into this super deep well of emotions that are just so relatable during the winter season you know? like, I was listening to "All Ye Faithful" and it's just me standing there feeling all the feels, wondering if anyone else is having those same feelings too? 
anyway, what I love about this album is how it blends old-school folk vibes with these super modern emotions that we're all trying to navigate 
can't wait to see her live! 
. The way she combines traditional folk melodies with these haunting modern sounds is pure magic 
. I love how it's not just a festive album, but one that truly captures the pain and longing that comes with the holiday season 
. It's like she's speaking directly to your soul during those quiet moments when it feels like no one else understands what you're going through 
.
I just listened to Laura Cannell's new album 'Brightly Shone the Moon' and I gotta say, it's like stepping into a winter wonderland - but not in a cheesy way 
(in a good way...I think). But what I love most about this album is how it weaves together old traditions and melodies with modern emotions - it's like a time capsule of feelings 
. If you're someone who enjoys music that really speaks to your soul, then 'Brightly Shone the Moon' might be right up your alley 
I love how she weaves together these old melodies with her own voice, it's like she's tapping into this collective memory of winter and heartache 
. The way she conveys that quiet desperation in songs like "Angels Falling from the Realms" is just so powerful 
️. It's an album for those who are willing to dive into the complexities of human emotion, not for the casual listener 
I'm totally getting chills just reading about this album! It sounds soooo introspective and emotional... I love how Laura Cannell's music is like a time machine, transporting you back to her childhood Christmases in Norfolk 
. Can't wait to give it a listen! 
. If you're someone who's always felt the melancholy of winter, this album is a must-listen for sure - just be prepared to feel all the feels 
16th-century melodies woven into modern emotions? Genius! 
. You know, kinda like how some politicians try to sugarcoat their policies but actually reveal their true intentions? Like, "Brightly Shone the Moon" might be a beautiful folk album on the surface, but beneath that, it's exposing the complexities and fragility of human emotions during this time of year... sounds eerily familiar, doesn't it? 
. And the way she conveys these emotions of longing and heartache... it's just so raw and honest, you feel like she's singing directly to your soul 
especially with tracks like "all ye faithful" and "bleak midwinter", it feels like she's singing directly to my soul 
i can already imagine listening to this on a snowy night by the fireplace, feeling all the feelings 
Like "Lost in a Merry Christmas", it's like a breath of fresh air on a cold winter's day 
. And can we talk about how gorgeous "Lost in a Merry Christmas" sounds? I feel like I'm transported to a different era when I listen to it 
the way she weaves together old and new melodies is so magical 
Cannell's voice is hauntingly gorgeous, and I love how she conveys the complexities of winter - the joy and the heartache, the hope and the desperation.
but at the same time, they're kinda beautiful in a melancholy way? it's like, can't we just be sad together? 