We are delighted to premiere the utterly absorbing ‘Mother of Our Nature’ by Brother Hill. Musically and lyrically, this ethereal song is steeped in atmosphere and magic. It flows, growing and evolving through six epic minutes, viola, banjo and guitar all layered over the deep pulse of the upright bass. The warm, sonorous voice of Brother Hill, lifted by gorgeous backing vocals, transports into the tale that unfolds. The senses are all heightened by the unbroken sonic tension and a feeling of unsettling mystery as the words slowly let us into a timeless, enchanted world populated by such mythical figures as Lady Death and Mother Nature herself: “But don’t you threaten to take away my dear Mary // not when she’s the burning light, the firelight in my // every cold winter’s night she’s the earth in my bones, // she’s the mother of every stone, // she’s the mother of your very nature…Oh Mary reveal yourself // through the mirror // or some way else // show me the way // could you lead me back from the grave?” The song is all the more powerful for its carefully selected language, patience and the way the characters and sounds slowly reveal themselves. The audio was released on 1st February, the ancient Celtic holiday of Imbolc, marking the beginning of Spring, and also St Brigid’s Feast Day. ‘Mother of Our Nature’ is tied into these ancient rituals and festivals as Brother Hill explores the theme of searching for new life and hope, hindered by doubt, despair and death.
Brother Hill says of the song: “These are characters that have revealed themselves through the music itself, and the spaces that seem to be summoned alongside it. One moment a melody appears, and the next a story seems to find you. A story that happened in another time, not one that’s being written here and now… This song was found wandering the forest seeking Divine guidance, it was proper that was reflected in the storyline of the video as well. That said, it was written in a warm forest in August, and the video was shot on three very cold days in January, causing the cast to actually begin praying to the Mother that their fingers wouldn’t freeze or their instruments crack. They were damn good sports about the whole thing though, especially little baby Abel. And in shooting in these conditions we executed the setting that was necessary: the chill desolation of midwinter, and the beacons of hope we may find there.”
The video for ‘Mother of Our Nature’ matches high production values with artistic composition, fine details and symbolism, such as the Brigid’s crosses that are traditionally created to give protection and divine guidance over a home. It was filmed by Filmed by Q (Quintin Schomaker, Columbus Ohio) at United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary in Ohio. It’s a cinematic accompaniment that really captures the essence, mood and story of the song.
Brother Hill is the musical project of Ohio singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Brett Hill. He keeps keeps musically busy with Appalachian folk ensemble Hill Spirits and as lead singer for doom rock group Nineteen Thirteen. This song features on his 2021 Brother Hill album ‘Blackfish’, which is the fifth part in the long-running ‘Hiddensee Saga’, told through two previous Brother Hill albums and two releases with Hill Spirits. The album is full of engrossing music that takes you away from wherever you are and transports you into the haunting world of Brother Hill. Check it out.
