Hands of the Heron

For fans of: The Staves, This Is The Kit, WOOM, Fleet Foxes

“There isn’t anyone else quite like them… Hands of the Heron unveil a profound sense of tranquillity and aesthetic allure–a soothing balm for the contemporary world.” – KLOF Mag

“Quiet Light offers a celestial dreamscape for any willing ears to join their already considerable following.” – Irish Music Magazine

Bristol-based psychfolk trio Hands of the Heron is a long-running collaboration between Bec Garthwaite, Beth Roberts & Claire Vine , each of whom brings a signature songwriting style to the band. Moving effortlessly between sparse choral folk and shimmering instrumental textures, their interlocking vocal harmonies are a constant thread running through the various hues of their dreamlike, mercurial songs. Their third album Quiet Light (Cuculi Records, 22 Nov 2024) is a seamless expression of blend and balance that explores the tension between tending for yourself and connecting with others. 

“A positive, soul-enriching experience… with intimate, sublimely detailed arrangements that create a strong sense of continuity… tender & hypnotically precise. An album of quiet light and not-so-quiet beauty that makes a striking impact, proving spiritually as well as musically rewarding.” – Folk London

One to spend time with in quiet contemplation and let their charms bewitch.” – Folking 

The band founded Cuculi Records together as a DIY space to release their own albums, as well as music by friends & collaborators from the grassroots alt-folk community. Esteemed jazz critic Ted Gioia recommended their second album 13 Moons as one of his top recordings for 2021, which has also been described as “a wondrous collection of curious story-songs, choral singing and carefully layered instrumentation” (Joyzine) with “exquisite versatility and insight” (God Is In The TV Zine) and “songwriting mastery that perfectly delivers reverberating folk-pop” (Tap The Feed). 

They’ve played a diverse range of festivals, including Fire in the Mountain, Purbeck Valley Folk, Green Man, Summer’s End Prog Festival and Fanny’s Meadow. In 2023, they sold out a double bill with Rachael Dadd at St Ambrose Bristol, as well as gigs at Exeter Library, The Barrelhouse, Plymouth Aquarium and Outlandish Nights. In 2024, they headlined prog event Eppyfest, alongside gigs at Bristol Folk Festival and The Harrison All-Day Folk Fest in London, before embarking on an 18-date UK album release tour in the autumn with support from songwriter & labelmate Anna Anise. They concluded 2024 by performing in Bristol Cathedral beneath Luke Jerram’s Gaia.