Backworld - The Fourth Wall

faizalafandi

Review by Faizal Afandi

Album Review: The Fourth Wall by Backworld Alright, so let’s talk about The Fourth Wall by Backworld. Released in 2001 under the UK-based label Harbinger House, this folk-rock gem kinda sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy or loud—it’s more like that quiet friend at a party who ends up being way cooler than anyone else. With Rose McDowall’s haunting vocals leading the charge, and a crew of talented musicians (shoutout to Robert Lee for wearing multiple hats—guitar, viola, even guest stuff), this album feels like a warm yet slightly eerie hug. Now, I’m not gonna lie—when I first hit play, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But then came “Little Red Stars,” and woah, it just stuck with me. The track has this dreamy vibe, like staring at stars while lying on damp grass. McDowall’s voice floats over everything, soft but powerful, while Julia Kent’s cello adds this melancholy undertone that hits right in the feels. You can almost picture those little red stars twinkling above some lonely countryside road. It’s one of those songs that stays in your head long after it’s done—not because it’s catchy, but because it means something. Then there’s “Leaves Of Autumn.” This one’s slower, moodier, and honestly feels like autumn itself—a mix of beauty and decay. Todd Cohen’s drumming keeps things grounded while Paul Geluso’s bassline adds depth without hogging the spotlight. And again, McDowall’s voice is front and center, telling a story you don’t fully understand but still feel deep down. If you’ve ever walked through fallen leaves and felt weirdly nostalgic for no reason, this song gets it. What makes The Fourth Wall stand out is how layered it is. There’s so much going on—strings, subtle percussion, guitar riffs—but nothing feels overcrowded. It’s like they knew exactly when to hold back and when to let loose. Plus, the whole thing’s got this timeless quality; it doesn’t scream “early 2000s rock!” which is kinda refreshing. So yeah, if you’re into music that’s thoughtful and textured rather than just banging tunes to blast in your car, give this a shot. Honestly, listening to it made me realize how rare it is to find an album that feels both intimate and expansive. Oh, and fun fact? Listening to this made me want to go cloud-watching. No clue why. Maybe music really does mess with your brain in the best way possible.

Download Backworld - The Fourth Wall
Artist: Backworld
Album: The Fourth Wall
Rating: 4.35

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: backworld-the-fourth-wall.zip
  • MP3 size: 50.4 mb
  • FLAC size: 469.8 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
The Devil's Plaything3:10
Leaves Of Autumn3:16
Hands Of Ash4:10
Pleasure Park3:07
Mary Of The Blue Sky4:10
The Tide3:37
The Sparrows2:42
Little Red Stars4:28
Melody3:43

Images

ladda ner album Backworld - The Fourth Wall

Catalog Numbers

HCD005

Labels

Harbinger House

Listen online

  • lytte på nettet
  • online anhören
  • ouvir online
  • ascolta in linea
  • online luisteren
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • escuchar en línea
  • écouter en ligne
  • lyssna på nätet

Formats

  • CD
  • Album

Companies

RoleCompany
Distributed ByWorld Serpent
Pressed ByUniversal M & L, UK
Recorded AtThe Bloomsbury Theatre

Credits

RoleCredit
BassPaul Geluso
CelloJulia Kent
DrumsTodd Cohen
ViolaRobert Lee
GuitarRobert Lee
GuestRobert Lee
VocalsRose McDowall

Notes

  • Recorded live on April the 6th, 2001 at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London.
  • Made in England
  • Comes in a Digipak with a white tray; no booklet, no lyrics.

Barcodes

  • Barcode: 5021958410920
  • Barcode (As printed): 5 021958 410920
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI L135
  • Mould SID Code (Variant 1): IFPI 04A3
  • Mould SID Code (Variant 2): IFPI 04A9
  • Matrix / Runout: WORLD SERPENT HCD005 03 5
  • Matrix / Runout (Mould On Inner Ring): MADE IN THE UK BY UNIVERSAL M&L

About Backworld

Folk/Psychedelic project of American singer and instrumentalist Joseph Budenholzer. Collaborators and contributors include Jarboe (Swans), Rose McDowall (Sorrow), Isobel Campbell (Belle & Sebastian, Gentle Waves), David Tibet and Michael Cashmore (Current 93), Drew McDowall (Coil) and Julia Kent (Angels Of Light, Antony And The Johnsons).

Real Name

    • Joseph Budenholzer

Aliases

  • Joseph Budenholzer

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s an interesting fact: The album *The Fourth Wall* by Backworld blends folk rock with a unique twist. Released in 2001 in the UK, it features Rose McDowall on vocals, known for her ethereal voice. What makes it special? Robert Lee not only played guitar and viola but also contributed as a guest artist. Tracks like "Little Red Stars" and "Mary Of The Blue Sky" showcase the band's ability to mix poetic lyrics with haunting melodies. It’s like a musical journey you didn’t know you needed.