Iron and Wine's previous album, Our Endless Numbered Days, sets the stage for Sam Beam to show his raw acoustic talent and his incredibly insightful songwriting skills. Each track embodies a genius at work creating a solid album with an outpouring of emotions. Iron and Wine continues showing their talent and success in Woman King.
In their latest EP, Iron and Wine add new musical elements into the mix as it pushes its boundaries. Woman King delicately uses strings, piano and even an electric guitar, which brings its art to a new dimension. Luckily, these new sounds fit perfectly with what Iron and Wine have established in the past-acoustic guitar ability, combined with drums and layers of harmonies.
The EP starts off with \Woman King,"" which uses very rhythmic patterns as opposed to a melodic sweeping guitar line. Soon, the guitar enters sounding very raw and rustic, extremely characteristic of Iron and Wine's work. The vocal harmonies gradually build up as the song unfolds. Here is where Iron and Wine introduces an electric sound, which is a hint of what will come later on in the album.
From there, the EP fades into ""Jezebel,"" which sounds very similar to songs from their previous album. This track, however, adds an electric guitar and piano. The vocal harmonies, guitar melody and piano counter-melody work well and create a warm track.
""Freedom Hangs Like Heaven"" continues to bundle new sounds together, bordering on bluegrass, as Beam adds banjo, piano and guitar. The end is also interesting as drums take over, the piano enters and finally the guitar brings listeners back to the melody. Although this track is consistent to their past work it adds new refreshing elements to their music.
The album reaches its sentimental stage on the fifth track with ""My Lady's House."" It is this track where the piano weaves into the mix of a tambourine and simple guitar hooks. This track is by far the most reflective and beautifully created piece of the whole EP. The piano complements the poetic lyrics and the instrumental harmonies complete the perfectly constructed track.
It is the last track, ""Evening on the Ground (Lilith's Song),"" where Iron and Wine depart from its typical sound. The song fades into a montage of guitar sounds coupled with rim taps. As the intensity builds, strings enter shortly followed by a passionate electric guitar which is amazingly fitting. Although the electric elements are not consistent with past Iron and Wine music, it works well and may chart new creative territories.
As a whole, Woman King maintains the same sounds and creative energy that defines Iron and Wine. While their foundation remains the same, they conquer new musical territories and embrace new, more experimental sounds. Iron and Wine will continue to flourish, develop and grow with their sound. They will no doubt sweeten and blossom, as they have become masters in creating musical art.
