- Just reading Ned Collette’s storied past of study, experimentation and song craft should develop a trust in his ability to produce music of depth. If you’re familiar with the Melbourne-born musician then you’ll already be appreciative of his varied talent for song and sound. Currently based in Berlin and four years since the release of Networking In Purgatory, Collette’s sixth album, Old Chestnut, is a compelling work of unfaltering exploration and reflection.
Meticulously co-produced with long time collaborator Joe Talia, the beginning sets a precedent for an intimate folk album prepared to refresh avenues of sonic adventures whilst remaining anchored in tradition. The way in which the album’s introductory Oh Man animates with the air of an orchestra tuning up before Collette’s well-practiced, contemplative storytelling unfolds is a richly organic yet experimental experience, simple parts fashioned deliberately to make an advancing whole. Like utilising traditional Japanese joinery to build a CNC router, there’s a stimulating, reformist attitude towards folk song convention and production. This is borne out by succeeding songs Grant’s Farm and Sacred Cats as they develop an expansive, somewhat psychedelic spirit with the same tasteful arrangement of eclectic sources. There's everything from recorder to synthesiser, in support of Collette’s already established narrative and fingerpicking ability.
Old Chesnut’s juxtaposition of traditional and experimental music culminates in the eleven minute epic June. Collette employs the classic techniques of seasonal metaphors and minimal pagan-esque incantations, suggestive of linen smocks and daisy-chain head ornaments, but as the crescendo rises it brings with it subversive kraut-rock elements without losing its rustic atmosphere. It flourishes effortlessly, remaining captivating as it offers up the pastoral with the cosmic and exists as a skilfully modern exploration of songwriting.
This is not an unorthodox album. Its progressive tendencies are balanced by a deep reverence for the history that informed its character and as such the album breathes from the complex to the simple. Ned Collette could play 1960's Greenwich Village or share a stage with Jaga Jazzist as Old Chesnut’s stories and sounds have been cultivated from a thorough engagement in, and extension of folk classicism.
- Nicholas J. Rodwell.