In Gowan Ring for Prog Folk

In Gowan Ring is the self-described "symbolist folk" project of Portland-based American multi-instrumentalist Bobin Eirth, which began in Utah sometime in the early 1990s. Going by B'eirth (or B'ee), the self-taught, peripatetic musician has released six albums, a handful of EPs and a number of archival collections, and remains active as of 2021. The project is inspired by folk music from around the world as well as early European music, in addition to more modern influences ranging from Tim Buckley, Brigitte Fontaine and Fred Neil to Malicorne, the Pentangle and Alan Stivell. B'eirth plays guitar, harp, flute and harmonica among others, as well as unique homemade stringed instruments of his own design. A seasoned performer, he has supported and toured with such artists as Robin Williamson (of noted inspiration and elemental progressive folk group the Incredible String Band), Faun Fables, Nick Castro, Blood Axis, Woven Hand and Faun.

His first three albums - 1994's Love Charms, 1997's The Twin Trees and 1999's The Glinting Spade - featured dense acid folk compositions with drone and minimalism influences, though his work as of 2002's Hazel Steps Through A Weathered Home has increasingly stripped back the soporific elements in favour of more sparse, vulnerable arrangements (though B'eirth does not shy from experimentation). In 2005, B'eirth formed the side project Birch Book, playing simpler material of a more personal and less abstract nature. After years of accruing songs and life experiences, In Gowan Ring returned in 2014 with the Heart Star Gift EP and 2015's sister albums The Serpent and the Dove and Visions of Shadows That Shine.

A modern-day troubadour, B'eirth's work will appeal to fans of the more delicate yet thoroughly psychedelic corners of progressive folk occupied by Sangre de Muerdago, Vashti Bunyan, Traveling Bell, Pearls Before Swine, Perry Leopold, Fit & Limo, P.G. Six, Constantine, Trees and Atman.

"Love Charms" (1994)

"The Twin Trees" (1997)

"The Glinting Spade" (1999)

"Hazel Steps through a Weathered Home" (2002)

"Heart Star Gift" (2014)

"Visions of Shadows that Shine" (2015)

"The Serpent and the Dove" (2015)