Two Wings hail from Glasgow. Not every member may be Glasgow-born (Hanna Tuulikki, vocals, is from Finland, for example) and their sound is much too cultured to have been born of Sunday afternoons in the Glasgow rain. Yet, I can’t help but think that this band will still identify with this city when being interviewed in foreign lands in years to come. “Love’s Spring” is a terrific album from start to finish.
“Eikon” begins the album with bluesy intent. Ms Tuulikki’s vocals are difficult to describe, but a contemporary comparison could be made to pop singer Duffy. Remember her? Both have a somewhat felicific quality to their voice, but Tuulikki’s is arguably better utilised as part of Two Wings. “Eikon” is an unorthodox but extremely pleasant opening track.
As a former member of Trembling Bells, Ben Reynolds is no stranger to the folk circuit. He sings on “Feet,” a song that further evokes thought of 1960s folk acts such as Fairport Convention or even Jethro Tull. However, this is not an album of mere throwbacks. The titular track offers a strange take on folk-rock that includes a colourful guitar solo. “Valley” captures the beauty of spring quite brilliantly in song. Those lucky enough to have a garden will take great pleasure in lounging in it while listening to this. Others will close their eyes and let the song take them there.
“Altars and Thrones” benefits from some delightfully hypnotic guitar. This could be the musical equivalent of a hall of mirrors (or perhaps yours truly has had too much coffee?). At any rate, this mesmeric quality runs freely through “Just Like” and into “It Hurt Me,” the latter being a peaceful reflection on an unfavourable situation. “Forbidden Sublime” ends in a likewise opulent manner.
In what might be a contender for Bluesbunny’s Album of the Year (yes, it exists!), “Love’s Spring” captures folk-rock at its most sincere.