year of release: 2007 songs
01. The Pulse of the Drum (4:51)
02. Asphalt (4:27)
03. Ashes and Prayers (3:47)
04. Songs in the Trees (4:37)
05. The Deer's Cry (6:00)
06. Upon the Waves of Song (5:08)
07. Faded (4:54)
08. Seablind (5:12)
09. A Cold Eye (6:02)
10. A Sea Change (6:22)
11. O'er the Hills and Far away (5:25)
12. The Wires are Humming (3:43)
Written by Cinnamonia (Sandra Barclay /Thomas Köhler). except "The Deer's Cry", "A Cold Eye" and "A Sea Change", words: trad. music by Cinnamonia, and "O'er the hills and far away" (trad. arr. Cinnamonia). Italian lyrics on "The Wires are humming" by Sal Pichireddu. line up
Sandra Barclay - vocals
Thomas Köhler - oscillators, acoustic instrument samples, Indian flute (4)
with
Chris Barclay - spoken words (5, 9, 11)
Walter Parks - e-bow, banjo, acoustic guitars (3, 6, 11)
Sal Pichireddu - vocals (1, 9, 10, 12)
"Songs in the Trees" is the long-expected second album from Cinnamonia, showing a clear development of the band after their acclaimed debut "The Scarlet Sea". Sandra Barclay's clear, feminine, but never fashionably fragile singing has gained much in depth and emotionality. Thomas Köhler's electronic arrangements, which always sound warm and organic due to a large amount of acoustic instrument samples, are even more detailed and fine-spun than before. But there are also some stylistic changes: the new tracks sound darker, more experimental and complex while retaining their immediacy and beauty. There is also an even more pronounced interest in the mysterious, spiritual aspects of traditional English and Irish music; just listen to the unusual Cinnamonia version of "O'er the hills and far away", the archaic and disturbing "A Cold Eye", or "The Deer's Cry", which is sung in Gaelic. On these pieces you will hear the voice of Irishman Chris Barclay who recites the lyrics with a rough and noble voice. Also guesting on "Songs in the Trees" is Sardic singer and poet Sal Pichireddu, whose warm, deep voice ideally complements Sandra Barclay's timbre. And like on the debut album, American guitarist Walter Parks accentuates Cinnamonia's music with contributions on e-bow and other instruments.
Title and cover illustration seem to be programmatic: "Songs in the Trees" takes the listener into a secret, darkly romantic world without ever losing a firm hold on the ground. Not only those who like Kate Bush, This Mortal Coil or the Revolutionary Army of the Infant Jesus will thoroughly enjoy the new album by Cinnamonia.
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