"We saw Death in the field and ciphered in the stars. He said he'd plant a seed to show us how it ends is how it must start." ("Ogham in the Ground")

With _Ogham Inside the Night_, concepts have matured, a linear progression that remains fascinated by metaphor and pagan culture. From the atavistic rustling of grain that opens the album to the strangely soothingly lullaby at its close, each track posits a seductive, yet temperate celebration of nativity and people. The more obvious sexuality of "Sex and Wildflowers" is reduced to a mere blush, having moved from erotic stems to ancient alphabet; intellectualized from Spring Snowdrops penetrating the soil to the language of Rowan, Birch, Oak, Ash and Furze.

In combining multiple violin loops with primitive acoustic beats, Sieben brings neoclassical incantations full of pop repetition that reference Kraftwerk as much as they do traditional Anglo and Celtic music. We're given a larger view of cultural attitudes and emotions aided by a diversity of players. As well as the kindred make-up in Howden's father and daughter contributing voice and paintings (a set of "Tollund Man" renderings by the former), _Ogham Inside the Night_ also features the vocals of Simone Salvatori (Spiritual Front), Carlos Boll (Mystery School), English blues musician Andy Weaver, members from Faith and the Muse, Larsen and use of the Cajon for percussion. Howden's own foxish voice is the source of both considerable pleasure and wear. Although his sly delivery makes fluid even the most unaccustomed letters of runic language, he is limited and at times almost interruptive. Yet the able sound-tracking from fiery night hymns to "Ogham"'s more sunny entrances, ensnares one in a mantra of blood, earth and soul, wiled through a community of voices that weave riddles into song -- affinity made magic.