Author: Lynn Roberts

Lynn founded For Folk's Sake in 2008. Her favourite artists are Joni Mitchell, The Leisure Society and The Mountain Goats. She plays keyboards in Joe Innes & the Cavalcade.

Single: Mumford and Sons – The Cave and the Open Sea

Finger picking into existence like a well-crafted paragraph with a lolling acoustic guitar riff sculpted rather than played, Mumford & Sons’ “The Cave and the Open Sea” immediately announces itself as something to be savoured.

The Tim and Sam Band

We say: \\”Without a doubt, the seven songs on Put Your Slippers On, The Tim and Sam Band’s EP re-release (out on Full of Joy Records, April 13th), couldn’t be described as anything but beautiful. Layers of violins, gentle wind…

FFS Ones to Watch: The Tim and Sam Band

Tim and Sam’s Tim and the Sam Band with Tim and Sam. Bit of a mouthful isn’t it? Just as well, then, that Tim McIver of said band is happy for it to be abbreviated. “To be honest it was a bit of a joke originally,” he says. “But it’s kind of stuck now. We mainly use the long version to catch people’s eyes.”

Album Review: Anni Rossi – Rockwell

There is a danger of overkill on the quirky-girl-with-acoustic-guitar-and-an-‘unusual’-voice front. Anni Rossi however, appears to be a far more interesting proposition. A classically trained musician from a young age, Rossi first caused a stir on the internet (where else?) with her startling take on Radiohead’s ‘Creep’. Rockwell, her debut LP, clocks in at just under half an hour, and – despite a few moments of genuine promise – feels more like a collection of demos than an album proper.

Single Review: Alessi’s Ark – Over the Hill

You don’t need me to tell you that Alessi Laurent-Marke is one of the most talented creatures there has ever been to grace FFS ears, and her second single “Over The Hill” comes as no exception.

Review: Butcher Boy – React or Die

It’s an exciting time for Scottish music. Camera Obscura are set to release fourth full length My Maudlin Career, Kris Drever, John McCusker and Roddy Woomble have joined forces to form a folk behemoth, and now relative newcomers Butcher Boy have released their second album React Or Die.

EP Review: First Aid Kit – Drunken Trees

Drunken Trees really isn’t a bad name for a record that would provide the perfect soundtrack for a cider-soaked spring picnic in the park. The mix of languid guitars, interweaving vocal harmonies and perfectly charming lyrics might seem a bit familiar, and though it doesn’t necessarily push boundaries, there can be no doubt that Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg have crafted a wee nugget of loveliness here.

For Folk’s Sake Interview: Sean Rawls from Still Flyin’

What a palaver it has been to bring you this interview. FFS traversed the mean streets of London last month to see Still Flyin’ at Proud Galleries in Camden. After a delight of an interview with frontman and founder Sean Rawls, and a stonker of a set in which the 11-piece band brought some much needed California sunshine to a rain-soaked London, we went on to have our bag stolen, dictaphone and all. We weren’t pleased. But fear not, Rawls is such an obliging chap, that he agreed to do it all over again by email. And he’s thrown Still Flyin”s tips for a rip-roaring Easter too.

Album Review: It Hugs Back – Inside Your Guitar

I’m sure I’m not alone in my pre-occupation with this band’s name. What is ‘It’? A kitten? Your drunken Uncle? The monster under your bed? Even more disconcerting then, is the suggestion that whatever ‘it’ is may well be lurking inside your guitar, waiting, perhaps, to catch you off guard before bursting forth and squeezing the hell out of you. Terrifying. But totally untrue, of course, so let me brew a cup of calming herbal tea and relax, for this is a band best enjoyed in a restful atmosphere.