Woodsmith Jr – Hidden Tales (2024)

Lost in echoes of the past, chasing shadows that never last.

Some albums feel like a safe haven, a space where music whispers stories and evokes memories. Hidden Tales by Woodsmith Jr., the alter ego of Kris Stynen, is one of those records. When I bought the vinyl during his performance at The Come Together Cafe in Ghent, I was fortunate enough to have a brief conversation with him—a moment of shared passion for music, exchanged with an artist who crafts stories through sound.

From the first chords, Hidden Tales envelops you in a layered mix of folk, blues, country, and bluegrass. Produced by Mattias Stynen, the album has a warm, analog sound—as if the songs were played straight from an intimate living room session. The themes of love, loss, and reflection run deep, painting a certain melancholy throughout the record.

What makes this album stand out is the honest simplicity of its compositions. No excessive production, no distractions—just pure musical craftsmanship. Mosquito Madness offers a playful break amidst the more introspective tracks, while Troubled Mind and Black Orchid explore profound emotional depth. The reinterpretation of Zita Swoon’s Our Daily Reminders feels like a heartfelt tribute to a classic, with Woodsmith Jr. subtly weaving in his own identity.

This isn’t an album to rush through—it calls for time, for attention. Hidden Tales is a musical companion, a record that whispers its secrets on rainy afternoons and quiet evenings. An absolute recommendation for fans of Richard Thompson, John Martyn, and Luka Bloom.

Tracklist

A1 Troubled Mind
A2 Black Orchid
A3 Mosquito Madness
A4 52 Tunnels
A5 Our Daily Reminders
B1 The Other Line
B2 Blue Notes
B3 Untangle All The Lies
B4 He’s Called Jo
B5 A Hidden Tale
B6 Can I Only

Vinyl Specs

Streaming

Links

https://www.discogs.com/release/32267481-Woodsmith-Jr-Hidden-Tales

https://www.waxlog.com/collection/cave/year-2024/release/1867586886/woodsmith-jr-hidden-tales