There is something undeniably magical about the banjo. The way it gleams
when the light catches it, that slightly metallic, twangy sound it produces.
If you’re a fan of the instrument, then you’ll likely enjoy this
under-stated album, which never really goes anywhere special, but maybe
that’s the point.
Category: uncategorised
Single: Slow Club – Trophy Room
Slow Club are amazing. Twin boy/girl vocals with sweet natured tones, their quirky British folk has made them one of the most exciting bands to emerge in recent years. Trophy Room, a standout song from debut Yeah So and the newest single is a beautiful example of why Slow Club deserve all the ravings they’re receiving.
Album: Wild Honey – Epic Handshakes and a Bear Hug
Spanish charmadillos Wild Honey have produced a truly beautiful album: fantastical melodies and schoolroom instruments accompany gentle, nostalgic storytelling that somewhat resembles the best bits of Belle and Sebastian.
Album: Wye Oak – The Knot
Every so often an album comes out of nowhere and absolutely blows your mind in such a way that you wonder how you even survived without it. Instantly you get a connection with it and it rings so true that you wonder if this band was made entirely for you. And according to Wikipedia- as if to make them even more impressive- Andy Stack plays drums and the bass lines at the same time at gigs. Again, this is Wikipedia… but if true, wow.
Live: Daniel Johnston, Laura Marling, The Wave Pictures @ Union Chapel, London
We arrived at Union Chapel to catch the end of The Wave Pictures’ earlier-than-advertised slot. The Leicestershire band delivered an assured performance, and have certainly come along way since FFS last saw them at End of the Road 2008. When they close with the brilliant Strange Fruit For David, we see why The Wave Pictures are so well-loved by established alt-folkers like Jeffrey Lewis and Darren Hayman, with whom they’ve appeared on stage.
EP: Draw Me Stories — The Sky and the Mirror
Already spurred by critical acclaim from their first album and their stonking live performances, the Cardiff trio have released The Sky and the Mirror, an impressive collection of four songs infused with rock, a dash of funk and lashings of folk.
Album: Micah P. Hinson – All Dressed Up and Smelling of Strangers
The urge to do a covers album for most artists must seem like a pretty strong one. You have the chance to play and record your favourite songs from decades of recorded material. You can broaden your musical horizons without drawing too many questions about your decisions from pesky journalists trying to dissect your inspiration, and you can satisfy your ravenous record label with a brand spanking new CD without the years of mental torment.
Album: Kings of Convenience — Declaration of Dependence
If, like me, you’re a massive fan of anything folky and Norwegian then you too will be pleased to hear that indie faves Kings of Convenience are back with a new album. Declaration of Dependence is the duos third album and there’s been a five year gap since their last material, ‘Riot on an Empty Street’. So was it worth the wait?
Album: Ruby Throat – The Ventriloquist
Ruby Throat is a collaboration between KatieJane Garside (of QueenAdreena) and Chris Whittingham (whom KatieJane spotted busking on the underground, apparently). Over the course of a year and a half they recorded this album which was released in 2007. Why review it now? Because they only released 400 copies in 2007 and now you can get your grubby paws on it, after a general online release.
Single Review – Tigers that Talked – Artificial clouds
Tigers that Talked are brilliant. Their sound has been compared to the likes of Arcade Fire and Ryan Adams but their sound is much more progressive and sincere. They are based in Leeds consisting of singer/guitarist Jamie Williams, violinist Glenna Larsen, bassist Owain Kelly and drummer Chris Verney. The new single Artificial Clouds is the best so far from their debut album The Merchant. That says a lot as 23 Fears and Black Heart, Blue Eyes are both mesmerising slices of music.