Fruits de Mer Rec. 
Us And Them : Summerisle -EP- (S,2011)****
Use & Tem has spent a whole winter reinterpreting four songs from “The Wickerman” soundtrack. “The Wickerman” (1973) is a kind of cult film known in folk circles because it is about some mysteries surrounding paganism incorporating a few very nice interpretations of old folk songs. One of the songs, "Willow Tree" which knew a very beautiful version in the movie, had already a previous stay-with-you moment on another cult movie called ’The Night Of The Hunter” (1955), a scene related with a lonely night where two kids were fleeing from a murderer disguised as a priest (one of Mitchum’s best roles). “Wickerman” I found a bit typically British, slightly dated, but never the less several images and scenes seems to haunt and stay with you, this impression was shared by Us &Them. The four tracks are thoroughly mixed with subtle layers of arrangements, with the acoustic inspirations up front. “Corn Rigs” has some additional string arrangements, two acoustic guitars and a folk voice. “Gentle Johnny” has dual singing, two acoustic guitars, backing textures of zither and certain echoing sounds. “Fire Leap” has a subtle overdub on the voice, a bit of cello, and “Willow’s Song” has some mellotron added to the picking/voice arrangements. The atmosphere is subtle, moody and with the arrangements this convinces listening to it several times, it is very exciting to expect a full album some day !?!?
The mellotron and, hammered dulcimer were played by Tony Swettenham aka Frobisher Neck. The additional vocals on "Gentle Johnny" were done by Ludvig Josephson.
Limited to 500 copies. Recommended.
