music
February 20, 2026
Hedera review
(Cuculi)The Bristol-based folk ensemble travel widely on their first album, exploring global influences with sparkling, springlike warmth
TL;DR
- Hedera is a five-member band named after the Latin botanical term for ivy.
- Their debut album combines influences from Bulgaria, Bali, Ireland, and Georgia.
- The album establishes a mood of knotted, hypnotic locked groove.
- Instrumental highlights include violin melodies, clarinet, accordion, and harp.
- The track 'Shen Khar Venakhi' features all five women's voices in a dense, glowing mass.
- Isis Wolf-Light's woodwind contributions, particularly bass clarinet, are noted for adding tension and dolour.
- The album masterfully twists together its influences, intensifying their colours.
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