It is fair to say that Newcastle Park is the sound of a time and a place. Not a time and a place that belongs to us, the listener, but so eloquent is the enigmatically named Woods of Light at creating songs full of the sounds and sensations, moods, and experiences of the formative period of his life that it describes, that it is easy to feel that we were there too. Or, at the very least, use this deft and delicate music to evoke our own memories of similar carefree days.
Forged from gently chiming folk guitars, acoustic spaciousness, indie vibes, and alt-pop accessibility, the songs are full of life and sunlight. The opening titular track sets the scene perfectly, talking about those earliest memories of the natural world, a cascade of sights and sensations, light and love.
“Blue-eyed Stranger” is an achingly beautiful collection of shimmering sonics. “Sunny Summer Afternoon” is lazy and inviting, as full of folk moves as it is perfectly played down rock grooves and filled with sun-dappled nostalgia and fond memories. “The Shadow of Autumn” is a hushed and hazy reminder that summer doesn’t last forever, perhaps both a seasonal marker and a metaphorical comment on life.
“Newcastle Park” is a simply gorgeous affair, a perfect summer storm of folk finesse and indie articulation, poised pop accessibility, and gentle ebbs and flows of sonic tides. It may be filled with pathos, but the only tears that will be shed here will be tears of joy.
