Knotted Wood shares debut album

Knotted Wood may be newcomers by name, but they carry with them a lifetime’s worth of stories, experience and musical accomplishment. Formed by Patrick McDaid and Alec Ferrell, the project brings together a cast of talented musicians from the indie scene, unified by a shared desire to craft something meaningful, honest and relatable.

Patrick’s storytelling anchors the group’s debut album Middle of Tomorrow, a record that proves moving music doesn’t age, it simply matures. Released via the Clearly Records imprint, Middle of Tomorrow marks the first official chapter of Knotted Wood’s creative journey via a debut that feels far from fledgling. The band’s line-up features Dave Hollinghurst lending his guitar work and vocals, as well as Alec providing versatile bass and arrangements.

Their sound is filled out by Eric Willhelm on drums and percussion, with Melissa Burriss on piano and keys, each musician bringing their own distinct flair to the sonic output. The entire project was recorded at the iconic Fidelitorium Recordings, lending the album an analogue aesthetic that fits its themes of memory, loss and lasting love. Musically, the album sits somewhere between folk-inflected indie rock and Americana, with flashes of piano-driven balladry and textured harmonies that quietly expand the record’s emotional impact. But it’s Patrick’s vocals, weathered yet warm, that give the songs their centre of gravity throughout.

Opened by “You Are Here,” the album kicks off with an uptempo country-tinged indie rock jam where pattering percussion, pulsing bass lines and layers of bright acoustic guitars strums met by the twang of lead electronic tones. Capped by Patrick’s expressive vocal performance which spins picture painting lyricism via engaging melodic leads, the song serves up a timeless sound that’s catchy and enjoyable from start to finish.

“Every Road” offers a stirring portrayal of longing and return, told through the eyes of a traveling man whose journey always bends back toward home. Captured in a smokey Americana soundscape, the shuffle of drums propel the piano-led arrangement as Patrick stitches delicate melodies into the grooving instrumentation, resulting in an instantly memorable and invigorating outing.

With “Mystic Eyes,” the band lays down a classic Americana piece led by Patrick’s rich vocal performance which hovers above the steady percussive energy and intricate arrangement of bass, guitar and slick flickers of plucked lead notes. Other highlights on the album include tracks like “Stand Still” which recounts the story of how Patrick met his wife Terry, to whom he’s been married for four decades. It’s a song based in quiet gratitude, a celebration of a bond built not in grand gestures but in enduring presence, distilled in an upbeat jam of bouncy rhythms and infectious melodic hooks.

Closing the release with title track “Middle of Tomorrow,” the quirky flutter of guitar tones and hazy instrumental textures gather pace with the kick of drums before launching into a lively rock-focused track brimming with melodic charm and energising rhythm. Taking listeners on one last voyage through Knotted Wood’s superb sound, they present an epic finale of compelling songwriting and sensational musicianship to leave a lasting impression of their emphatic debut release.

Listen to Middle of Tomorrow below