In Middle English, the word ‘Oftentimes’ is synonymous with ‘often’ but nuanced to indicate on several discrete occasions rather than just frequently.

The fiercely original music of “Oftentimes” is not so much a repetition of known musical styles, but more a reinvention of musical possibilities (moins une habitude qu’une réinvention) by Wolfe Hogan & Jennifer El Gammal.

Anglo/Belgian multi-instrumentalist contemporary folk duo “Oftentimes” straddles some familiar musical horses on a breathless gallop to a land of unfamiliar originality. Among the horses we know (bluegrass fiddle, funky flute, jazzy sax, folk accordion and tight vocal harmonies) sits a carriage of technical prowess as the use of live looping creates rich soundscapes allowing for layered musical acrobatics. Oftentimes trotting out a song in 5/4 or a slow 6, a rocky 4/4 or a jig in 3, “Oftentimes” are as at home lingering over green pastures of touching poignancy as leaping over fiery valleys of searing political commentary.