Innerwoud – Dran (Recommendation)

Innerwoud’s last album Furie was a great lesson in ‘slowness’ that prevents your departure until you have no choice but to simply stand still and submit to your fate. Dran is a special anniversary release (on Record Store Day) celebrating the ten-year existence of Innerwoud. In addition to a complete reinterpretation of the track “Dar“, it also features the completely new track “Dran“.

Dran, which is borrowed from the old German word for “drone” (the bee one, seen on the cover), tells another “optimistic” story of struggling against the inevitable end. The drone is a symbol of on the one hand indispensable role of the drones in the hive but on the other hand powerlessness of the creature, when on its own.

The new track “Dran” only features double-bass and Amenra’s Colin H. Van Eeckhout on vocal duties. It is a haunting poem that catches the fate of the aforementioned bee drone perfectly. By the end of the poem you may not feel lifted but you take something from it that grounds your soul.

“Dar II” is a complete rework of the track “Dar” from their first album mirre. Dave French (YOB) and visual artist Lydia Hannah Debeer, who contributed vocals to mirre lends her voice once again. Gowaart Vandenbossche (yadayn) was also an essential part of this new rendition. The track itself sounds like a beautiful elegy, constantly moved forward by a drumming heartbeat. It surely is one of the most captivating songs I’ve heard this year.

Dran is a more than fitting celebration of Innerwoud’s existence. It may not sound festive but it shines a light on everything that makes Innerwoud exceptional: the beauty in dire times the slowing of time in fast moving surroundings. If you have the chance of getting your hands of this release you should not hesitate for one second, its impact will last long after the record is finished.