Hermitess’ latest record, Death and The Fool, is a rich and complex volume of modern psych folk with a vast array of eclectic influences.

This multifarious release is a collaged scrapbook of important memories, words and emotional impressions from the life and times of singer-songwriter, harpist and vocalist, Jennifer Crighton. The album reflects the theme of fragmentary reflection by presenting disparate sounds and styles next to each other, almost like you’re dipping in and out of Crighton’s separate memories. One moment you’re treated to a dreamy acid folk ballad, then the next you’re enveloped by an abstract soundscape or a grooving folk-funk track or even a short but sweet harp piece. No matter what side of the group you hear on this record, you’re always hearing them bringing their best and showing off their impeccable versatility.

Despite being from Calgary, Canada, and released in May of this year, Death and The Fool has a strong autumnal British folk record vibe, which is especially notable with the Celtic rock of “The Birds Never Left” and the song “Green Blade,” which is reminiscent of Forest, one of the best obscure 70s psych folk bands. You can almost feel a late October chill in the latter of those two tracks.

Pocketed with all kinds of unique sounds that all somehow work together, despite their extreme differences, this album is a well-constructed singular unit, displaying tracks like little interpreted scenes of Crighton’s life. You might not expect a handsculpted psych-folk concept album in 2025, but here we are, and it’s brilliant.

Check it out digitally or on vinyl here.

-KH