When I was researching Jack of Ravens, I spent a lot of time at the hugely atmospheric Iron Age (and probably much earlier) settlement of Carn Euny in Cornwall. There’s a long sequence at the start of that book set when the village was still vibrant. As long time readers will recall, it plays a crucial part in the wider story of the Age of Misrule.
Now Cornish band Kemper Norton have recorded a mini-album, Carn, based around field recordings at the location. The heart of the music lies in the mysterious fogou, a stone tunnel running under the settlement. There are only around fifteen known fogous and no one is quite sure of their purpose – simple storage, refuge in time of attack or a ritual site. I’d recommend visiting – the atmosphere in the fogou is intense.
And Kemper Norton capture that haunting feel in this music. You can download it for £4 or take a listen here.
Pretty much all of my wanderings around the UK since I first read Age of Misrule have been inspired by the places mentioned in the books… Not made it down to Cornwall yet but it’s definitely high on my list! One day I’ll string all the places together and take a huge, Age of Misrule-inspired road-trip :)