Mellow Candle

Label: Deram
Country: UK
Released: 1972
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Introduction to Mellow Candle

Mellow Candle was an Irish progressive folk-rock band formed in Dublin in the late 1960s. The group consisted primarily of schoolgirls Clodagh Simonds and Alison Williams, who met at the Holy Child Convent. They signed with Decca's progressive subsidiary, Deram, and released their sole studio album, "Swaddling Songs," in April 1972.

Musical Composition and Production

"Swaddling Songs" features twelve tracks that blend elements of folk, rock, and progressive music. The album is distinguished by the dual lead vocals of Simonds and Williams, whose harmonies create a celestial atmosphere. The instrumentation includes electric and acoustic guitars played by David Williams, bass guitar by Frank Boylan, and drums by William Murray. Clodagh Simonds also contributed piano, Mellotron, and harpsichord, showcasing her range as a musician.

The production of the album was handled by David Hitchcock, known for his work with bands like Caravan and Genesis. The recording took place at Decca Studios in West Hampstead, London, with engineering by Derek Varnals and his team. These elements combined to give "Swaddling Songs" a rich sound, blending traditional folk with progressive rock dynamics.

Track Highlights

The album opens with "Heaven Heath," setting a mystical tone. Tracks like "Messenger Birds" and "Dan The Wing" showcase the band's ability to shift from delicate melodies to more robust rock elements. The poignant finale, "Boulders On My Grave," leaves a lasting impression with its emotional depth and lyrical content.

Visual Presentation

The album's cover features an illustration by David Anstey and photography by Suzette Stephens, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the release. The gatefold format allows for a more immersive experience, further enhancing the listener's engagement with the music inside.

Legacy and Cult Status

Though Mellow Candle's time as a band was short-lived, "Swaddling Songs" has gained a following among enthusiasts of acid folk and folk rock. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of its genre, representing the unique sounds of early 1970s Irish music. The album continues to be sought after by collectors and is often discussed in the context of progressive folk history.

Final Details

"Swaddling Songs" was released by Deram Records under catalog number SDL 7.

Tracklist

A1	Heaven Heath Written-By – A. Williams*
A2	Sheep Season Written-By – A. WilliamsWritten-By – SimondsWritten-By – D. Williams*
A3	Silversong Written-By – Simonds*
A4	The Poet And The Witch Written-By – Simonds*
A5	Messenger Birds Written-By – A. Williams*
A6	Dan The Wing Written-By – Simonds*
B1	Reverend Sisters Written-By – Simonds*
B2	Break Your Token Written-By – Simonds*
B3	Buy Or Beware Written-By – D. Williams*
B4	Vile Excesses Written-By – D. WilliamsWritten-By – Murray
B5	Lonely Man Written-By – Simonds*
B6	Boulders On My Grave Written-By – Simonds*