Mike Tod’s rendition of ‘Oh, Death’ is this year’s St. Patrick’s Day haunt

Canadian folk musician Mike Tod’s new single is an interpretation of the Irish and Appalachian folk ballad ‘Oh, Death’. The single is released ten years to the day that Mike was arrested in Dublin and placed into a psychiatric unit, as an active drug addict and alcoholic. That moment ultimately led Mike down the road of sobriety and recovery, and away from death’s welcoming embrace.

The traditional song forms a dialogue between a human pleading for more time and Death refusing the request. A bit like asking for time off at work, but with far dire consequences! The track is a superb blend of droney viola, harmonium, and electric guitar that bends and twists around Mike’s vocals like a slightly chewed tape. Mike gives his dusty country vocal twang best, while harmonic vocals from Opal Retzer bring a lonely essence of purity. At around the four-minute mark, the track moves into an ominous, slowed interpretation of the Irish reel ‘The Morning Dew’. As the viola sings, a harsh, demonic breath draws in and an almost aboriginal rumble of bass drones floods the speakers, underscored with marching stomps. It is a truly cinematic piece which culminates with a war horn modelled after the ancient Carnyx. The Carnyx was a huge Celtic trumpet used between 300 BC and 200 AD to declare battle and overwhelm enemies.

This fantastic track is accompanied by a music video made in collaboration with Brazilian painter Gabriel Augusto. Gabriel filmed the creation of a portrait painting, but the music video plays it in reverse. As the music gets darker, the face is wiped away into canvas.

‘Oh, Death’ is taken from Mike Tod’s forthcoming album ‘Four Wheeled Wagon; or, A Dark Day in the West’. The album is set for release on 27th March. Mike has often dipped into sounds from different folk cultures and I’m excited to hear where this new album takes us. For more information, visit Mike Tod’s website.

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