The Last Inklings’ sound centres around cello, mandolin and vocal harmony, leading a supporting cast of guitar, piano, strings, synth and percussion. With vibrant backstories and creative musicianship, their songs have a modern flavour that is rich with imagery and narrative. The Impossible Wild explores the role of nature, myth and superstition in the modern world.

The album is a celebration of storytelling that uses symphonic arrangements and narrative lyrics to conjure up a variety of themes and imagery. Through the lens of music and metaphor, The Last Inklings explore contemporary issues including mental health, personal wellbeing and growth, and our impact on the environment. 

Story and myth have always helped us to define who we are, and they are just as relevant today. In many ways, these old stories have lost their meaning in society and have been replaced by consumer narratives in TV and film. Our detachment from true myth and meaning could be a reason why we have become so far removed from our natural state, which has left us more vulnerable to mental health issues. Yet we have the power to shape our own lives if we can learn to live outside our ego, whilst recognising and rebalancing our place in the world. 

All stories have power, but the stories we tell about ourselves have the most.

12 - VESPERS

03 - SLEEPING GIANT

02 - HUNTER'S FOLLY

The Impossible Wild Album Teaser

Alt-folk duo The Last Inklings release their self-produced debut EP Alchemy on 24th April 2020. Five original songs that are unified by the theme of personal growth. 

The golden thread that runs through the EP is a quotation from the philosopher Marcus Aurelius - ‘the soul is dyed by the colour of its thoughts’ which embodies the idea that we should always strive to refine our inner gold.

The five songs are inspired by modern myth and folklore, drawing on narrative influences ranging from the English Chronicles to Stoic philosophy. The experimental sound focuses on cello and mandolin layered with vocal harmonies. 

You can support The Last Inklings buy purchasing the EP here: https://thelastinklings.bandcamp.com/releases

ALCHEMY

THE LEGEND OF LYONESSE

Traditionally people would feast together to see them through the long winter nights as we approach the solstice. This song talks of the return of the sun in spring, paralleled with the return of a loved one.

Alchemy

Winter Sun (Reimagined)

The Last Inklings are Leonardo MacKenzie and David Hoyland, formerly of Kadia; both are accomplished multi-instrumentalists with a solid folk background. The band's innovative sound crosses genres, centred around cello, mandolin and vocal harmony, layered with guitar, piano, strings, synths and percussion. With vibrant backstories and creative musicianship, their songs have a modern flavour that is rich with imagery and narrative, exploring at their core what it is to be human. 

Their name is a nod to the mid 20th century literary group which included Tolkein and CS Lewis, although their inspiration is drawn from wider sources than just these authors, ranging from Carl Jung to Terry Pratchett. Thoughtful depth is handled with a light touch, balanced with playfulness, metaphor and humour. Musically their influences are equally diverse, including artists such as Moulettes, Punch Brothers, and the cinematic soundscapes of composers like Max Richter to the traditional songs and tunes of the British Isles.

The Last Inklings are releasing their debut album in Autumn 2021, following the release of their EP Alchemy in Spring 2020

“Captivating” - Fatea Magazine 

“An important addition to the folk circuit" - Shire Folk

“Fascinating … There is nothing around that sounds quite like these guys” - folking.com

The Last Inklings

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