11/07/2012

Blood Speaks - Smoke Fairies

V2 Records

The Smoke Fairies debut album in 2010 'Through Low Light And Trees' was a haunting, hymnal, hypnotic statement of intent. Their follow up 'Blood Speaks' is a masterful affirmation of Jessica Davies and Katherine Blamire's unique musical direction.

Smoke Fairies balance folk, blues and rock on a point of exciting tension. Of the title track Blood Speaks they say “We tried to break out of the different forms which you can get restricted by in folk and blues,” says Katherine. “It was very liberating to do that, as well as a very uplifting, independent song for us.” Jessica adds: “It’s about the sense you get from stopping, thinking and just focusing on your surroundings. To listen to what your blood is telling you, to experience life and to celebrate the freedom of being able to move around.”

There are elements to their sound that hearken back to another time. There is an incredible vocal unison with voices soaring and melding leaving the listener unsure who is singing. That something so unique and distinctive could emerge in these creatively impoverished times is incredibly heartening. 'Original' and 'unique' are terms that every press release trots out these days, predictably the artists rarely live up to the hyperbole - in this case they exceed it.

The duo conjure musical landscapes which draw you in and envelop you in a wholly different world. It is a heady brew - and a very addictive one. Blood Speaks is a deep and dark record, things are happening here with folk and blues that have not really been explored before, and the result is a beautiful slow burn of an album

Iain Hazlewood

www.smokefairies.com

Through Low Light and Trees
review on Spiral Earth