20/06/2012

Wiley Ways

Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson

The first track of the latest album from Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson really sums up what this amazing duo are all about. 'Power' showcases the duo's voices as individually amazing, rattling the window frames with their power. Combine the two and you have something that is the sonic equivalent of slugging back a neat whisky and then being kissed by a beautiful woman. No one else is like these two, their debut album didn't quite capture the contrast they have between rough and smooth.

Don't take them at face value, Fitz is a big scary bearded outback monster when you clap eyes on him, but spend any time with him and you find one of the most warm hearted bears of a man you could wish to meet. One that was almost eaten by a crocodile when he was younger mind you - oh, and don't go trying to have a tall tale competition with him. This guy honed his musical skills travelling Australia in a carnival complete with boxers and prostitutes playing to miners and farmers, he has witnessed things that would curl your toes.

Likewise Cara may well be the beauty in the equation, but she has possibly an even bigger personality, full of northern irish sass. Her voice has an amazing and beautiful range, she plays the drums like she owns them and could crush them to powder if she so desired. Add onto that the whistle and flute plus a washboard (often all at the same time) and you have one talented woman.

Wiley Ways is a more consistent album than their rip roaring debut Beauty & The Beast. Many of the songs are firm favourites in their live set already and this album just establishes them even higher in the roots blues world. Addictive, original and very cool.

Iain Hazlewood

http://www.hatfitz.net/