In part three of our reflections on recording the Molehills out of Mountains album, here is our drumming artist, or our artistic drummer, Ruth.
Molehills out of Mountains, well where do I start? Having chipped away at it in one form or other most days for a long time, part of me is still coming around to the idea of it actually being complete. Well it is and I’m really proud of this album and feel very fortunate to have been part of the journey we have taken to make it. As a whole piece of work it is very considered, methodical and thorough with little risk taking activity going on. By risks I mean that few parts have made the cut without long and painstaking discussions and very little has been left to chance. I think to a large extent this reflects the types of people we are and our desire do the songs justice both for ourselves and for those who have supported us for many years.
At times, I found the recording and mixing process very challenging and frustrating, but when holding the finished product in my hands, I feel massively rewarded for our efforts. I often think about the compromise involved in working alongside five plus people in order to produce something this important and time consuming. On occasions, I’ve felt like pulling my hair out, especially when trying to convince others of the merit of my ideas. As a contrast, however, the feeling of excitement when someone has offered up an amazing idea that, given all the time in the world, would never had entered my head is something not to be taken for granted. If you, as a band, are able to survive these heated debates and remain reasonably calm throughout the process you will almost inevitably end up with something so special that it’s hard to imagine one person alone could have conceived it.
Each member of Wilful Missing really does bring something special to the band and Molehills out of Mountains has certainly not been deprived of these talents. Firstly and perhaps most importantly for me are Sam Kipling’s lyrics. I am truly in awe of anyone who is able to write a song, especially when the lyrics make your eyes water or give you an overwhelming urge to punch the air with joy – Sam is no exception to this. He is able to capture the darkest corners of your brain and celebrate some of the best moments in life and all in just a few succinct and poetic lines. This is a huge reason I love being part of Wilful Missing and for me one of the two vital ingredients that make up both the band and this album. The other is the spine tingling sound of Sam K, Sam L and Albert’s vocal harmonies that in turn make what can only be described as a fucking excellent noise. So imagine when these two things occur at once, well they do on this album and it really is magical.
I would describe our album as a grower, one that doesn’t perhaps smack you in the face but one I think I may never grow tired of. Although at times individual songs may reference ideas from or remind me of other bands, I wouldn’t say as a whole package we sound like anyone in particular. This could be largely down to the fact that we as individuals are divided in many of our influences and tastes in other music, but could also be because some of the songs have been through so many different incarnations that when they are finally considered finished they have a sound of their own.
The stand out tracks for me on this album are ‘Constitution Failed‘, ‘London Road‘ and ‘Powerful Pill‘.
‘Constitution Failed‘ for its thought provoking lyrics, its subtle but brilliant rhythm section part (someone re-size my head) and its larger than life chorus that provides such a great dynamic to the soft verses and instrumental sections. (more…)