The Whispering Woods by Saline Grace: Album Review

by Gabe Finch March 2, 2023

March 2, 2023

The Whispering Woods by Saline Grace: Album Review

Saline Grace’s fourth album, “The Whispering Woods,” marks a departure from the politically motivated themes of their first German-language release, “Der Meister der Intrige.” Instead, this album takes the listener on a journey through the wild and untamed landscapes of nature, raising questions about mankind’s place within it.

Instrumentally, the record is rich and evocative, with contributions from fingerstyle guitar, piano, organ, concertina, strings, and jazzy bass and drums. Singer and multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Hoffmann’s affecting baritone leads the way as these components are braided together into a soundscape that lulls the listener into a trance. Hoffmann’s voice has depth and complexity because of his ability to switch between falsetto and a raw, emotional delivery. Saline Grace’s ability to create vivid soundscapes is prominent in “The Whispering Woods.” The songs paint pictures of wide forests, barren wastelands, and fathomless oceans, inviting the listener to explore these landscapes alongside the artist. Songs like “The Evening Prayer,” “Cold War Child,” and “Winter Heart” demonstrate Saline Grace’s versatility and breadth. Each song on the collection is eerily ambient, immersing the listener more in the story told. The album’s last track, ‘The Whispering Woods’, stands out for its ability to calm and attract listeners while retaining an air of horror and mystery.

The album’s genre-bending style incorporates elements of post-punk, gothic, dark wave, alternative music, and indie, resulting in a theatrical and intense musicality that is both captivating and ambitious.