Alula Down

Alula Down play traditional and self written songs using sound collage, and semi-improvisation of voice and instruments made of wood & reeds.

Folk Album of the Month, The Guardian, 14 August 2020, Jude Rogers: “The duo have explored British ballads in the past, such as Master Kilby and Polly Vaughan, but they have also collaborated with author Max Porter on a stage version of his Booker-longlisted novel, Lanny, where they impressively worked their improvisational muscles. Now arrives the first of four seasonal albums, with accompanying postcard liner notes and artwork, exploring the band’s relationship to the land around them in the Covid-19 pandemic. Echoing rain blends with shuddering drones and lyrics…. Post-rock and ambient fans will relish the shape-shifting textures… Gathercole’s voice is featherlight and meaningful, recalling Vashti Bunyan and late 60s private-press folk, tethering the listener to every syllable. It’ll be fascinating to hear what happens with the next releases, as the darker seasons settle in.”

Grey Malkin, Moof Magazine, September 2020 " … a musical landscape that drips with otherworldly atmosphere and genuine feeling, one that envelopes the listener and fully transports them elsewhere. Alula Down make folk music that is unlike any other you will have heard, but is equally authentic and essential. Spend a while with these postcard songs and transport yourself temporarily; you may not wish to return”.