Among the influences Hilary Woods references for her latest album Night CUIÚ we find “the joy in dance, the immediacy of sound.” References that mirror my own when it comes to talking about prime movers and motivators when it comes to listening to music on the hifi.
Dublin-based Woods also includes, “aspects of Czech and early Italian cinema, the revival of indigenous language, a personal history of attending parades, early music…and the present collective standing up for what it means to be human in the face of tyranny and oppression.”
Following on two instrumental records, 2021’s Feral Hymns and 2023’s Acts of Light, we are reintroduced to Woods captivating words and voice on Night CUIÚ, a very welcome return for my current needs as connecting to like-minded people through words in song can provide a durable bond. A kind of kinship.
The album was produced by Woods and “mixed by Dean Hurley with additional production by Oliver Turvey and Dean Hurley, mastered by Brian Lucey, featuring work by Hannah Fallon, Gabriel Ferrandini, The Hangleton brass band, Ajo Gonsenica” and children’s choir.
Released on Sacred Bones last month, Night CUIÚ feels like ancient music rooted in mysteries, magic, and wonder.