You Are Wolf - hare // hunter // moth // ghost (2023) [Hi-Res]

The album is based on theme of transformation, inspired by Kerry’s own experiences of recent debilitating chronic illness, and transition to a non-binary identity. The album’s songs, made up of traditional and folklore-inspired originals, include metamorphoses between the natural/supernatural worlds, between human/animal, dark/light, and gender binaries. A celebration of nature and fluidity, there are queer ghosts, vengeful stepdaughters, seductive foxes and witch’s spells, told in an utterly modern and individual style that draws on their contemporary classical background, as well as drone, electronica and alt-pop influences.

Kerry uses words from three of the UK and Ireland’s most eminent nature writers, Robert MacFarlane (writing a new lyric for Kerry in ‘Blue Men’), Nick Hayes and Kerri Ni Dochartaigh. ‘Herne/Abbots Bromley Horn Dance’ also features English folk star Sam Lee as a guest vocal.

The album comes after four years of chronic illness, and was recorded remotely to fit with Kerry’s abilities. The making of the album was physically challenging and a way to begin to return to singing. They had to rely more on their own instrumentation, so went back to their old teenage years of piano and flute playing! Kerry experimented with prepared piano and improvisation, and mixed traditional composition/songwriting with playing with material in the studio.

Kerry also co-engineered and co-produced for the first time, alongside regular producer MaJiKer (Camille, Gaggle, Berywam), who brings his electronica and pop sensibilities to these mostly traditional songs. You Are Wolf’s bandmates on second album, Keld, added to the palate: Sam Hall on ‘cello, bass and backing vocals, and Peter Ashwell on vibraphone and marimba. Ben See (Ben and Dom) provided additional backing vocals and Hannah Dilkes provided trombone.

Kerry Andrew: vocals, recorder, piano, keyboard, kalimba, percussion, electronics
Sam Hall: ‘cello, double bass, backing vocals
Peter Ashwell: marimba and vibraphone
Sam Lee: guest vocals (Sam Lee appears courtesy of Cooking Vinyl Records)
Ben See: guest vocals; backing vocals
Hannah Dilkes: trombone
Tyger: vocals

Tracklist:
1.01 - You Are Wolf - Reynardine (3:51)
1.02 - You Are Wolf - Twa Magicians (The Lady and the Blacksmith Lass) (3:42)
1.03 - You Are Wolf feat. Kerri ní Dochartaigh - winter solstice (5:18)
1.04 - You Are Wolf - Hare Song 1 (2:56)
1.05 - You Are Wolf feat. Nick Hayes & Sam Lee - Herne/Abbots Bromley Horn Dance (3:26)
1.06 - You Are Wolf - Hare Song 2 (2:40)
1.07 - You Are Wolf feat. Ben See - The Trees in the Wood (3:43)
1.08 - You Are Wolf - King Henry (7:35)
1.09 - You Are Wolf - I'll Weave My Love A Garland (3:11)
1.10 - You Are Wolf - Girl As Wolf (3:31)
1.11 - You Are Wolf feat. Robert Macfarlane - Blue Men (4:21)