UK Folk Prog band Afforested embraces a genuinely heartfelt and personal vision, deeply rooted in tradition and guided by artistic integrity. Their latest release, “Moss Covered and Time Worn,” is a self-produced, fully instrumental album released on May 21, 2025. Spanning thirteen tracks, the record gracefully blends British Folk Rock textures with the evocative structures of Progressive Rock, resulting in a warm, immersive, and contemplative sonic journey. The album moves with natural elegance through acoustic soundscapes rich in analog warmth and melodic passages that recall the pastoral beauty of early Anthony Phillips and Genesis, the atmospheric nuances of The Enid, and the refined narrative flow of artists such as Mike Oldfield, Gryphon, or Magna Carta. Each piece unfolds patiently, allowing tonal subtleties and instrumental dynamics to lead the listener forward. Acoustic guitars take center stage, weaving together with flutes, string textures, and light percussion to tell a story that requires no lyrics to be emotionally expressive. The compositional approach feels mature and deliberate—nothing is accidental, and every harmonic shift or melodic motif serves a clear purpose, both emotionally and structurally. What stands out most is the album’s delicate balance between the song-like form of traditional folk and the expansive freedom of instrumental prog. Afforested never rush the musical flow; instead, they allow the compositions to evolve organically, like living soundscapes with their own internal rhythm and narrative arc. Throughout the album, darker, melancholic shades alternate with brighter, open harmonies, much like the natural contrast of shadow and sunlight in a forest clearing. This well-crafted alternation keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. It’s not a “genre” record in the narrow sense, but rather a sincere and essential musical journey, built on the strength of melody and composition rather than showmanship or excess. Beneath its apparent simplicity lies a thoughtful complexity, both in terms of arrangement and sound design. Fans of pastoral, atmospheric, and storytelling-driven Progressive Rock will find much to appreciate here, as will those who seek music that evokes imagery and emotion without relying on words or theatrics. “Moss Covered and Time Worn” is an album that requires patience and deep listening, but it rewards the attentive ear with rich, layered beauty. It’s a work that feels both timeless and fresh—speaking through silence, narrating without words. A hidden gem for lovers of Folk Rock and Progressive music’s most reflective and bucolic soul.
Tracklist
01. Reintroducing Endangered Species (3:11)
02. Reynolde Grenelefe (3:39)
03. Maytime Sparrowhawks (2:43)
04. Fortress Of The Slow Worm (3:23)
05. Tawny Calls (3:29)
06. Following The River Through The Realm Of The Wild Boar (3:47)
07. Along The Forgotten Trail (2:54)
08. Cosnard’s Net-Winged Beetle (2:51)
09. The Symbiotic Subterranean Mycorrhizal Network (2:12)
10. Scurry To The Drey (2:12)
11. Ramsons Growing On The Hillside (3:12)
12. Descendants Of King Henry’s Deer (3:10)
13. The Agister And The Colt (3:10)
Lineup
Jonathan Betts / Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Bass Guitar, Mandolin, Percussion
Alex Betts / Drums, Keyboards, Accordion, Occasional Electric Guitar, Prcussion