Eudaimonia

By Alex Mylles

Those of you at Witchfest UK last year will remember Wolf's Head as the blacked up Morris Dancers - I loved the music and impulse bought their CD. Sadly the CD only contains the music, so you do not hear the bells, the hitting of stick or any other of the sounds of dancing, however it has a 'live' feel to it as there are a few odd notes, but that does not harm the CD in anyway. The instruments used are a melodeon (similar to an accordion), bagpipes of the Northumbrian variety, drums and various whistles. All the tunes are played in a minor key which can give the music a slightly melancholic air, but it is very beautiful and they are the only dance tunes I have heard played in a minor key which makes it unusual (in a good way).

Many of the tunes are traditional, although some come from other bands or are written by Wolf's Head, such as 'Valse Valiente' which was written in memory of Doreen Valiente. The tunes are generally quite uplifting to listen to and are evocative of summer days, village greens and plenty of ale (that might just be me - there are four Morris sides within three miles of my parents house!) Joking aside, there is something very earthy, emotional and moving about traditional folk music of this type that is conveyed brilliantly by Wolf's Head. 'Eudaimonia' means happiness, fulfilment and being blessed by good spirits and is a perfect title for this album.

I doubt very much that you would find this album in any shop, but it can be bought directly from the group, from their website, wolfsheadandvixen.co.uk, when it is up and running again, as they have moved the site.