The Huntress and Holder of Hands debut full length “Avalon“ managed to slip by me until recently, where I have been fully emerged in the seemingly endless chasm of its depths and soulfulness. Songwriter and band leader of the Huntress, MorganEve Swain beholds an almost mystical ability to draw you in with the demeanor and temperament of her voice. I once saw it described as “monotone but emotive” but feel that description negates its truly distinctive ability to pull you into its orbit and unable to leave until the music stops. There is such beauty in the melancholia and mournfulness of her words and the band’s arrangements. It forces you to look at and address themes that may make some people uncomfortable, but make you feel and experience them in your own way. Its a beautiful thing.
The band just released a new video for “Creatures in Flight” off of that record and its a testament to the whole aesthetic and artistic avenue that the band has represented on Avalon.
Of the new video the band says, “Creatures in Flight came in response to grief, not only on the personal level, but on the national and international as I became more and more aware and appalled at the hatred, violence and ignorance permeating the global culture. Working with choreographer Ali Kenner Brodsky, and videographer Rich Ferri, this song and now its video speaks to the pain and perseverance of humanity, how intellect and love is and must be stronger than the savagery of intolerance and how we, as earthly creatures move through the world connecting with each other by honoring our losses, seeking growth and understanding and fueling the fires of human goodness.”
For such a simple concept it is a visually stunning video moving back and forth between the band on a stage and a solo dancer on the same stage. The two intimate vibes dovetail in a haunting and beautiful way and Swain’s writing and voice at at the forefront of the slow churn of strings and percussion behind her words.
https://www.facebook.com/thehuntressandholderofhands/videos/1790477680983245/
Jan 20 State Theatre, Portland ME
Jan 23 Higher Ground, Burlington VT
Jan 24 Brooklyn Steel, Brooklyn NY
Jan 25 Fete, Providence RI
Jan 26 Electric Factory, Philadelphia PA
Jan 27 The Fillmore, Silver Spring MD
Jan 30 Mr Smalls Theatre, Millvale PA
Jan 31 Jefferson Theater, Charlotteville, VA
Feb 1 Haw River Ballroom, Saxaphaw NC
Feb 2 Marathon Music Works, Nashville TN
Feb 3 Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta GA
Feb 7 Vinyl Music Hall, Pensacola FL
Feb 8 House of Blues, New Orleans LA
Feb 9 Emo’s, Austin TX
Feb 10 Granada Theater, Dallas TX