Norwich folk-rock quartet Takeda are a band born out of triumph and freedom, as they was started in spring 2022 when lead vocalist and guitarist Josh Harrison escaped a cult in rural England. Rounding out the band by recruiting Charlie Wilson on drums and David Woodgett on bass, they developed a unique brand of folk rock that they dubbed “the loudest acoustic guitar on Earth,” with a unique blend of influences that range from British folk revivalists Fairport Convention to the post-metal stylings of Tool.
Tomorrow, Takeda release their debut album In Venus’ Train, and today you get to hear it a day early. With a sound that’s somehow warm and evocative while still being wholly unique and always striking, In Venus’ Train is a tour de force. “I wrote the album during a period of massive change in my life, losing touch with my family and friends, and rediscovering my own inner self,” Harrison explains.
“I began writing about characters and narratives that, on the surface, felt separate from me,” he continues. “Yet through them, I found a way to look deeper into myself. Some of these figures emerged from folklore, others from scripture, and others still from my own imagination. Despite their varied origins, they each carried a kind of inner light—one that helped me reflect, process, and better understand the truths I was writing about.”
Check out the album below.
In Venus’ Train is out tomorrow and you can preorder it here. Follow Takeda on Facebook and Instagram for future updates.
Photo courtesy of Takeda
