The Dark Peak and the White

Released in 2012, The Dark Peak and the White is Bella Hardy's fourth studio album and arguably her most conceptually focused work. Produced by Kris Drever (of Lau), the album is a song cycle dedicated to the folklore and history of Hardy's native Peak District. The title refers to the geological split of the region: the limestone of the White Peak and the dark gritstone of the Dark Peak. Musically, the album leans heavily on Hardy's dual strengths as a singer and fiddler, with Drever providing understated accompaniment on guitar. The tracklist features a mix of traditional material and Hardy's original compositions, including 'Emmott's Song,' which tells the story of the plague village of Eyam. Critically, the album was praised for its stark beauty and Hardy's ability to modernize traditional storytelling without losing its essential, rugged character. It stands as a definitive document of contemporary English regional folk.