Dear Wormwood

''Dear Wormwood'' is the second album by American folk rock band The Oh Hellos, released October 16, 2015. It was written, produced, and performed primarily by siblings Tyler and Maggie Heath, with the exception of "Danse Macabre", which was composed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1874. The mixing and mastering was done by Charlie Kramsky, with extra vocals being recorded by members of the ensemble that tours with the duo, including Matthew Hagerman and Joey Chance.

Background

The album was released on October 16, 2015, to act as a volume two of the band's debut album, '' Through the Deep, Dark Valley''.

The album takes its title from The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis, which has every chapter of the book begin with the words "Dear Wormwood,". It draws further inspiration from the book by framing each song as a letter from someone in an abusive or unhealthy relationship to their abuser, reversing how the book was composed of letters trying to teach one demon how to lead a particular human astray. The songs vary in tone from lovingly addressed to determined to escape the relationship. It also draws inspiration from The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss, with the descriptions of literature, language, and music being an influence on the way the album was written. It's described as a sequel to their first album ''Through the Deep, Dark Valley'', with the first album concerning where the speaker of the album has been, and ''Dear Wormwood'' dealing with the speaker having to pick up and move on from where he left off.

Much of the song's content also draws on biblical themes and imagery, particularly from the Books of Moses, the four Gospels and the Book of the Revelation.

Interpretation

Bitter Water

The title Bitter Water refers to the biblical narrative of the Sotah ritual, found in Numbers 5. In this trial, a woman accused of adultery is made to drink "bitter water" prepared by a priest. If she is guilty, the water is said to bring a curse upon her, causing suffering. If she is innocent, she will remain unharmed and be able to bear children
Numbers 5:11–31
.

Likewise the song is a love song written from the perspective of someone who feels the weight of regret, longing, and inevitable suffering in their love. The imagery of bitter water serves as a metaphor for the pain that lingers in love that should not be, whether due to betrayal, loss, or an impossible situation.

Caesar

Caesar is a mostly instrumental piece filled with biblical imagery of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The fourth line uses the term "O Sleeper", which is both a biblical term used in Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians but also became the name of a later song by the same band, in their album, Eurus.

The title is also the title ascribed to certain Roman emperors, after Julius Caesar.

Pale White Horse

The Pale White horse represents death and is ridden by the fourth horseman in chapter 6 of the Book of the Revelation.

Soldier, Poet, King

Soldier, Poet, King uses three distinct titles, soldier, poet, and king, to depict Jesus Christ, particularly in the context of biblical prophecy from the Book of the Revelation. The lyrics suggest that Christ will return as a warrior wielding a sword
Revelation 1:16-18
, a poet whose words hold divine power
Revelation 14:2-3
, and a king who will reign after the apocalyptic events unfold
Revelation 20
.

The song's connection to Dear Wormwood is significant, as the album title itself references themes of judgment and redemption. The biblical " Wormwood" in Revelation is a star that poisons the waters, symbolizing divine retribution. The track’s structure and recurring harmonized refrain add a hymn-like quality, reinforcing its spiritual and prophetic themes. While The Oh Hellos are not strictly a Christian band, their music often reflects their faith, and Soldier, Poet, King serves as a creative and poetic interpretation of biblical prophecy, blending apocalyptic imagery with folk storytelling.

Critical reception and response

''Dear Wormwood'' peaked at #134 on Billboard 200 and stayed there for a week.

Neil Z. Yeung gave the album 3.5 stars out of 5, saying that "These songs are heavy on the drama, but the conviction with which the band delivers each one borders on glorious rapture." Brandon Easley of Glide Magazine gave ''Dear Wormwood'' an 8/10, calling the album "a fantastic recording that is easy to share".

Track listing

References

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Elektra Records albums
2016 albums
The Oh Hellos albums