Album Review: Osi and the Jupiter – Stave (Eisenwald)

On their fourth full-length album “Stave”, Osi and the Jupiter provide listeners with a unique journey through the delicate sounds of what may have been believed to be long lost; allowing for a truly immersive experience that is informed by the innate mysticism still dwelling beneath the surface of their native Appalachian region of eastern Ohio.

Stave will be released as a vinyl LP and MC, in limited editions of colours, as a limited deluxe DigiCD as well as on various digital and streaming services on August 27th, 2021 via Eisenwald.

Any new Osi and the Jupiter release comes with a hefty amount of expectation and a guarantee that something special will be experienced. So, it is no surprise that Stave is a remarkably emotive and intriguing listen.

Escapism in musical form, Stave transports the mind to distant and spiritual locations. Mellow and morose, relaxed and uplifting, heartfelt and cold… any combination that you can think of to describe this enchanting album will work. It’s simply about where it takes you and each person might find themselves in a completely different place or time to another. The one guarantee is that no-one will feel alone.

There are no picking out individual tracks here, that’s not really the point. It’s a 50+ minute ‘epic’ that doesn’t sound like what you would think an epic should sound like.

It’s epic because of how Osi and the Jupiter transcend musical conventions to craft something that is more than just ‘folksy’. That catch all description doesn’t do their music, and this album, justice as the blend of eerie effects, naturistic sounds and haunting melodies combine to buoy the soul.

There aren’t loads of tracks that feature vocals but the ones that do are truly special. The vocals used sparingly and adding a welcome level of levity to the melodies. Folk of the Woods, Old Ways and Mountain Shamanism are three that particularly stand out.

If you’re familiar with Osi and the Jupiter, you will fall in love with this album as you have with their previous work. If it’s your first time? Welcome. Get close to the fire, it’s warm.

Osi and the Jupiter – Stave Full Track Listing:

1. To Reap What Has Sown
2. Stave
3. Cosmic Creation Through Primordial Void
4. Folk of The Woods
5. Wights
6. Old Ways
7. Inner Flame
8. Mountain Shamanism
9. In Death (Carry Me Home)
10. Eihwaz (The Beating Heart of Yew)
12. Appalachia
13. Nights in White Satin (Cover Version)

Links

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