EP. Originally released 2005, Barl Fire Recordings.
"This beautiful 3" CD-R object launches off from XETB's previous ethereal folk-meets-electronic drone model into ancient woodland acoustic explorations akin to some of the tribal folk coming out of Finland (Keijo and Kemialliset Ystävät are reference points) and also not too dissimilar to the extended works of the Wooden Wand collective, as well as casting a nod in the direction of the focussed, percussive rain-forest sounds coming out of Michael Donnelly's MYMWLY collective. 'Goat Willow' is comprised a single 19 minute track divided into four sections. The first is a scattered whirlwind of multi-track incantations and pagan trance-drone. This segues neatly into a folk song is inspired by the Devonshire saying "Ellum do grieve, oak he do hate, willow do walk if you travel late", and the results are perfect burning man erection soundtrack fodder. The second section fades into eerie strumming and tolling of bells and a high keening chant of the central vocal motif, before the third section â a vaguely torch-lit processional of ambiguous destination â steers the piece back to abstract sonic expressionism. The final section reiterates the folk theme as spoken word over acoustic guitar much in the style of Current 93. All instruments were played by Phil Legard except for a guest appearance by "the spectre of John Cockren on scrotal tambourine". I'm not even game to askâ¦" - Tony Dale (Terrascope)