Diamond Grove

Published: Friday, October 10, 2025 at 4:01 am

Weirs' "Diamond Grove" Weaves Folk Traditions with Modern Soundscapes

The North Carolina collective Weirs is set to release their second album, "Diamond Grove," a project that reimagines traditional folk music for a contemporary audience. The album, released by Dear Life Records, builds upon the foundation laid by their debut, "Prepare to Meet God," which emerged from an online collaboration during the early stages of the pandemic.

"Diamond Grove" sees Weirs moving beyond the disembodied nature of their initial work, embracing a communal approach to music-making. The album features a diverse array of sounds, including the distinctive fiddle-string tenor vocals of Oliver Child-Lanning, reminiscent of artists like Arthur Russell and Sam Amidon. The music is enriched by a variety of instruments, from mouth harps and junk percussion to turkey calls and Irish pipes, all layered above the depths of organs, strings, and vocals.

The album's sound is inspired by the evolution of folk music, tracing its journey from live performances to vintage recordings and digital formats. This approach results in a sound that blends the past and present, creating a unique sonic experience.

The album's title, "Diamond Grove," is drawn from the former dairy farm in Virginia where Child-Lanning's grandfather once lived. The nine musicians gathered at the site to incorporate the environment into their music, using the creaking floors, natural sounds, and the echo of the silo to enhance the album's atmosphere. The inclusion of field recordings of everyday activities further blurs the lines between performance and daily life, creating a rich and immersive listening experience.

BNN's Perspective:

"Diamond Grove" offers a fresh perspective on folk music, blending traditional elements with modern production techniques. The album's focus on community and environmental integration creates a compelling and thought-provoking listening experience. While the experimental nature of the album may not appeal to all listeners, the project's innovative approach to folk music is commendable.

Keywords: Weirs, Diamond Grove, folk music, album, Oliver Child-Lanning, Dear Life Records, North Carolina, traditional music, experimental music, music review, folk, music, album release, new music, indie folk

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