Birch Book
Vol. 1 (black)
Birch Book is a side project from B'ee from In Gowan Ring. B'ee Spent the mid '90s recording for the dark-starred World Serpent imprint (along with Coil, Current 93, etc.) with the soporific and supernatural In Gowan Ring. Drifting away from the overtly psychedelic, medieval, and soporific atmosphere which typifies In Gowan Ring, Birch Book has developed a simpler, individualistic, direct song based approach to folk-pop and outcast country that has lead to comparisons with Leonard Cohen and Nick Drake. It is appropriate that the best of B'ee's songs should be given the simplest arrangements in which to shine. It allows the exquisite quality of his songwriting to be appreciated fully unobscured by layers of instrumentation. This album is not what many expect, it is not overly experimental, not droning or psychedelic but it simultaneously brings the older mystical folk into the current and points a new individualistic way forward for the artist. It's a brave move and an album that is cohesive, beautiful and often highly moving.