SpiralEarth.co.uk reviews from 2010
Lissie Live
Lissie has had a challenging UK tour in what's heading to be the coldest winter on record; whilst other artists have been cancelling gigs, Lissie has soldiered on despite catching an English cold. She has pulled a large crowd in Cambridge, the last time she was here was in the slightly warmer summer at the Cambridge Folk Festival, where her packed Thursday night slot probably made the organisers wish they had given her higher billing....more
22/12/2010
Make the Light
This is the first album from Rusby with all of the songs written by herself, and features her new band with partner Damien O'Kane playing a large part. If music were food, Kate would be the Delia Smith of the folk world, dishing up pure comfort food with consumate ease that we can eat up with guiltless pleasure. ...more
16/12/2010
Jars of Clay
This debut album from Anthea Neads manages to sidestep the pitfall that strikes many singer/songwriters down; the outpouring of a lifetimes worth of angst and misery. Instead she has a set of songs that are autobiographical yet still accessible to the listener. Neads has also created some solid arrangements that make use of her multi-instrumental skills, with guitar, piano and violin used to good effect....more
16/12/2010
Stand Up Collectors Edition
Stand Up was Jethro Tull's second album, originally recorded in 1969, remastered in 2001 and here gets a fresh outing repackaged with a facsimile of the original gatefold LP pop up in the middle and a whole bundle of extras, including a whole concert from Carnegie Hall in New York City recorded in 1970 here presented in CD and DVD (audio only I'm afraid), with DTS surround sound. A interview with Ian Anderson in 2010 puts the whole album in context and gives some interesting insights into its recording....more
13/12/2010
Matheu Watson
On the surface it can be a mystery how some debuts sound this accomplished. However, a little digging reveals that Matheu is a recognised talent on the Scottish scene: a recent recipient of the 'Best Up and Coming Artist' at the Scots Trad awards, his skills as an accompanist have adorned renowned piper Fred Morrison's work for some time. Starting out on fiddle Matheu's instrument collection now also includes guitar, mandolin, whistle, bouzouki and tenor banjo. And, if his stunningly fluent playing is a guide, he'll go far! Other acts to benefit have been many including Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson, Salsa Celtica, Iain MacDonald and Sio...more
10/12/2010
Every Day Is Sunshine
Jim's ancestry is mixed with his mother's side being descended from the union between a Cherokee Indian and an Irish booth boxer both of whom were participants in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Shows. When you mix in the Glasgow dwelling ex-punk's blood you're on the way to some healthy eclecticism. ...more
04/12/2010
Bella Hardy
Christmas is Bella’s season. It’s obvious this tour has been in planning for a good while, undoubtedly before the sun had set on summer, and the tinsel, baubles, fairy lights and mini stockings adorning the stage furniture are evidence that Bella’s Christmas preparations aren’t limited to the Christmas Eve dash like the rest of the British population. ...more
27/11/2010
Up From The Deep
Gilmore and Roberts just keep getting better, with their second album they have proved every good omen from their debut 'Shadows and Half Light' true. Neil Pearson of Fish Records and Shrewsbury Folk Festival proclaimed that debut 'one of the finest contemporary folk albums in recent memory', and he was right, this one is even better. Jamie and Katriona are both fairly reserved when you talk to them, yet when they perform they are on fire....more
27/11/2010
Covers 2
A new album of covers from Steve Knightley and Phil Beer, and it only took them a decade to get around to it. It's a refreshing back to basics affair and we get Phil taking lead vocals on several tracks, something missing from their last album due to him being off on a boat somewhere. The album consists of a dozen classics that fans will be familiar with being slipped into their live sets, and an acoustic version of their song AIG....more
27/11/2010
Many Great Companions
'Many Great Companions' from Dar Williams, the wholesome American neo-folkie and author, is as good a summation of her work to date as you'll find. Along with a disc of hits comes re-interpretations of material from across her repertoire with notable guests onboard....more
19/11/2010
Show of Hands Live
Show of Hands took to the road on their second autumn tour last night, with a sold-out show at Salisbury City Hall. They showed their mastery of music and repartee on a cracking opening night to their autumn tour. It takes confident performers to kick off a show with their big song of the moment. Lesser performers would have held it back. But Show Of Hands were straight into their stride, with their instant-classic 'Arrogance, Ignorance And Greed' - a superb savaging of those that led us into the financial crisis....more
18/11/2010
Femme Fatale
Style and substance are admirable attributes for any band. But couple them with hard work and commitment and you're onto something good. The Toy Hearts have all the bases covered and Femme Fatale, recorded in Nashville, is a fine document of the Johnson family's winning formula. ...more
12/11/2010
3 Daft Monkeys live at Manchester
It’s a gentle start to what turns out to be a rather raucous evening. Simon Borkin and Hannah Newcomb, together as Pablo’s Finest Hour, ply their trade in close, sweet harmonies, jazz cadences, blues lilts and carefully plotted lyrics. Oh, and an envious dash of multi instrumentalism. The audience are quiet and attentive, seated on the floor and hesitant to move should the words be lost....more
10/11/2010
Through Low Light and Trees
Debut heart stirring album from Katherine Blamire and Jessica Davies as the Smoke Fairies, previously they have produced a string of delightful EPs and singles. One in particular when they were spotted by Jack White and recorded a couple of songs for his Third Man Records series of vinyl singles over in Nashville. They are often compared to Folk Rock stalwarts such as Fairport, their singing does have a passing resemblance to Sandy Denny, but those comparisons are wide of the mark....more
10/11/2010
Decadence
The second album from six piece all female group The Shee. With Decadence they continue from their debut and strengthen their particular blend of the Highlands meets Appalachia delivered with a knowingly sexy wink. Perhaps their success lies in the fact that they so obviously enjoy every aspect of it, and despite being a delightfully complex album full of deep undercurrents and soulful eddies, you can tell that they are having a damn good time of it all....more
07/11/2010
Forecast
With their second album The Old Dance School become a more focused group, more assured of who they are. Thankfully they have kept a firm grasp on they fey quality that is intrinsic to their rich and evocative sound. The ODS sound is deep and complex, at times whimsical and playful yet by turns dark and foreboding....more
06/11/2010
The Antiquated and the Arcane
This new album brings back their original drummer, and what a difference the percussion makes. With drums and bass carrying the rhythm the guitsr and fiddle have more chance to explore the melodies. This is a step change in the 3DM sound and songwriting style. Greater emotional depth has been added to the writing and the production and mixing result in a more complex and rewarding listen than their previous offerings. ...more
06/11/2010
Wotcheor
For my money Jez Lowe is a more authentic 'Northern' singer and songwriter than Acts like the Unthanks, whilst they trade on the cliche of 'it's melancholic up North' Jez manages to reflect the truth of the northern character through real world humour and observation....more
06/11/2010
The New Farming Scene
With Pat McGarvey at the helm, the STFU continue to plough a fertile furrow of seasoned folk and bluegrass. Backed by a fine band, the strings sigh in sympathy with Pat's tough and tender tales of work and a meagre existence - the trad 'South Ythsie' being a well chosen opener. The reoccurring themes are lifted with close harmony singing and the occasional jaunty rhythm, but it's the passionate fervour of the delivery that seals a victory....more
06/11/2010
Hedonism
They have pulled out all of the stops with this album, recorded at Abbey Road with a producer boasting a longer CV than any of the band members and a marketing push that puts U2 to shame......more
06/11/2010
All Along The Wall
The Darwin Project started a bit of a trend for bunging some songwriters in a house and seeing what comes out after a few days. It's an interesting concept as it drags the artists out of their insular comfort zone and requires close collaboration....more
06/11/2010
Echoes From The Mountain
Rif Mountain have released this 15-track specially recorded tribute album to the Village Thing label reworked by their artists and friends. So original VT artists Wizz Jones and Steve Tilston appear alongside Stephen Cracknell, Starless & Bible Black, Jane Weaver, The Owls Service and many more....more
06/11/2010
Twice Reflected Sun
There's a simplicity, even a starkness, to this set of originals that is beautifully balanced by the duo's unique brand of melodic gold. An eagerly anticipated project which has been brewing for years before the bulk of it was completed by Nancy whilst in Australia. With Rob Harbron playing a multi-tasking studio role and Ric Foot on occasional bass, the scene is a harmonious one that doesn't disappoint; it's the clarity and pleasure in the storytelling that shines through on, recent live favourites, 'Queen Of Waters', Jerilderie' and 'Hauling On'. Coupled with instrumentals from James, that positively glow, this album will provide ample warm...more
06/11/2010
The Life Of Birds
Being a songwriter and guitarist for The Beautiful South, but having not a zilch of confidence in your own singing, doesn't leave any obvious paths for new projects. However, not to be deterred, David Rotheray has called on a number of folk luminaries to help create this bumper crop of ornithologically themed heart bruisers....more
06/11/2010
Skerryvore
If Skerryvore set out to write and perform confident, uplifting folk-rock, then they've achieved their task with aplomb. The band, six young lads from the Isle of Tiree in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, aren't shy when it comes to making a big sound with bagpipes, fiddles, guitars and a driving rhythm section. Unfortunately the downtempo material don't have the same impact and invention. Nevertheless, watch your backs Runrig!...more
06/11/2010
White Nights
Two highly respected artists playing two instruments - Catriona, the Scottish Harp and Chris, the fiddle. The way they create such tension and mystery by themselves is phenomenal. With influences constantly switching between The Shetlands and Scandinavia it's cinematic in it's scope and execution. And apart from one small trad detour, all their own material. If this is your thing, then buy it; if it isn't, then hear it and make up your mind again....more
06/11/2010
Yearning For A Living
Dan can sound more sorry for himself than Morrissey when it comes to relationship turmoil. Unfortunately, he doesn't have the charisma of a Morrissey to always carry it off on this set of tame mid-paced rockers. With strong live connections to The Levellers, The Oysterband and Seth Lakeman, it's through his stage shows that his fanbase has been growing. And, it's sunshine and a pint that would probably bring out the best of this album....more
06/11/2010
Andy Cutting
Despite the mass of albums that Andy has appeared on this is his first solo release, nearly ten years in the making it is a definitive portrait of the mans unique talents on the accordion. With a set of his own compositions and some selected favourites he demonstrates why his playing is so in demand. The guests he has on the recording never overwhelm the accordion at the centre....more
06/11/2010
Hadestown
Hadestown is a concept album of titanic proportions, a folk opera based around the Orpheus myth set in post apocalyptic depression America. A good gauge of how good this kind of project is whether it conjures visuals in the imagination; Hadestown does it in technicolor. It summons a wonderful blend of the musicals of the forties with the sensibilities of Tim Burton. Pulling in everything from Blues, ragtime, 1940's jazz and swing. ...more
06/11/2010
Tyde
I was gobsmacked by the performance this trio gave when they were in the BBC Young Folk Awards final 2009. Inevitable comparisons with Lau will be drawn as their sound shares the same instruments and energy. Maybe the comparisons should stop there as they are more than capable of standing on their own feet. This debut is a success story in every sense and Tyde are a must-see act of the moment who are full of promise....more
06/11/2010
A Taste of Truth
Debut EP from singer songwriter Sharkey. Singing in both English and French she weaves quite a spell, especially on 'Les Amoureux' and 'Our Ways' when both languages mix in one song. A promising debut that leaves you wanting to hear more from her. Hopefully a full album is not too far off....more
06/11/2010
Netherbow
Orcadians Douglas Montgomery and Brian Cromarty's third album. The magic that has made them a highly popular live act continues with the mix of trad and new compositions on Netherbow. The tunes here are a tad more restrained than previous albums, but none the less maintain that delightful thread of style and melody that ties them to Orkney....more
06/11/2010
Ain't No Fairy Tale
Katy Boyd and Benny Wain are a great example of the exciting wave of acts fusing folk and Americana to great effect in the UK. With big guitar and rolling fiddle underpinning Katy's honest voice they deliver an album full of toe tapping songs. Both exemplary musicians with a combined spark that makes their Anglo-American fusion a delight to listen to....more
06/11/2010
Come Out Fighting
Coming at you like a 3,000 mile an hour irish whirlwind, the psycho ceilidh rockers latest album is all about going mad, for life, music and the craic of it all. Neck always have a sharp edge to them that makes them the real deal, Come Out Fighting grabs you by the throat and doesnt let go until the last chord. The punk flame is proudly held high by this unique London based Irish outfit....more
06/11/2010
The Glamoury
Underpined by fables and folklore, then characterised by the slenderest melodic lines from sumptuously recorded guitar, harp and strings 'The Glamoury' encapsulates the mood of Shirley Collins and Karine Polwart. However, there's also an additional genreless contemporary quality contained in these addictive stories that fans of artists as far flung as Joanna Newsom could appreciate....more
06/11/2010
Love and Reason
The debut album from Mary McMaster and Donald Hay is a milestone in ambient/alt folk. They mix the celtic harp and vocals of Mary with the percussion and sampling that Donald specialises in. The key to the albums brilliance is in the way they hold an edge of raw strength whilst being a chill-out masterpiece....more
06/11/2010
Over Land
During a period of nomadic flux Anna Shannon discovered the folk scene and her ability as a songwriter (BBC radio Yorkshire Songwriter Of The Year 2006). Largely characterised by lush guitar balladry 'Over Land' tackles themes from South African turmoil to nineteenth century murder. All original and admirably researched, it's Anna's oceans wide voice that leaves the lasting impression....more
06/11/2010
Brother
Singer songwriter Jenna follows her debut album with Brother, and it's every bit as good as her first. Her writing is suffused with the west country waves and summer sun as before but this time around she balances it by digging deeper into herself for the songs. Production is by Steve Knightley, who recognised her talent in the first place. The songs all benefit from more involved arrangements and percussion....more
06/11/2010
The Songs Of Sandy Wright
Sandy’s sideways look at life is a continual inspiration to many in the folk community. And this two CD helping – one for him and one for admirers – is a fitting document. His words, filtered through his Caledonian timbre, juxtapose mysticism, romance, sadness and humour against a singular mix of acoustica. Whilst hardly high octane, his followers covers barely register on the speedometer....more
06/11/2010
Live at the Grand Pavilion
Mabon are getting a deservedly loyal live following, their flowing and swirling world influenced tunes are instant foot stompers. This live recording comes with a well produced DVD. All bar two of the tunes are by accordion maestro Jamie Smith, whilst often being the centre of what's going on he carefully crafts tunes that involve and stretch all of the musicians on stage....more
02/11/2010
Show of Hands
It is a mark of Show of Hands’ ability to reach beyond the conventional parameters of English folk music that they played to a packed and enraptured audience at Wells Cathedral this Saturday night. Those fortunate enough to have gained tickets for this most singular of performances will doubtless recall many moments from the night’s proceedings long after the event. ...more
27/10/2010
Caitlin Rose
It’s a dull Tuesday evening outside, but under the arches of Shoreditch’s Cargo, up and coming Tennessee songstress Caitlin Rose takes to the stage. With a can of lager in one hand and a guitar in the other, it is hard not to believe her as she proclaims, “this’ll be fun!” Peering from behind a heavy fringe and without further ado, she launched into her first song, album opener Learning to Ride, a cheerfully sweet rendition which left us all smiling. ...more
08/10/2010
Electric Eden
The individual stories of Cecil Sharp, Nick Drake, The Incredible String Band, Vashti Bunyan, Sandy Denny and Fairport Convention are as well known as the traditional songs they have collected, performed and been influenced by. But in Electric Eden, Rob Young carefully weaves these stories together along a plotted linear narrative, alongside heavily-researched atmospheric contexts, to make them as fresh as though being heard for the first time....more
14/09/2010
Tales of Love, War and Death by Hanging
Now that is a challenging title, no whimsy here. In fact the album plays out like an episode of Sharpe, often brutal yet beholden to a melancholic compassion. Ray Cooper, aka Chopper, of Oysterband fame has written a set of songs that are red in tooth and claw. Ray is himself a melting pot of cultures, Scottish mother, English Father, Irish roots and lives in Sweden. The Swedish connection seems wound through the albums arrangements, the kantele that Ray plays evokes the icy Northern forests, black cliffs girdled by mists. Bleak yet simultaneously awe inspiring in it's grandeur....more
30/06/2010
Hearts And Minds
That Seth Lakeman has gone from recording his albums in his parent's kitchen to having a producer of the stature of Grammy award-winning Tchad Blake at the helm of his latest album is quite a journey. The fact that he has maintained and enhanced his own unique sound throughout that journey is a testament to his integrity. Hearts and Minds sees the return of Benji Kirkpatrick to Seth's band, indeed the whole album feels more of a band-led affair....more
23/06/2010
False Lights From The Land EP
This EP comes on the heels of his BBC Radio 2 series 'The Ocean' in which Hawley explored the way seafaring culture has influenced British music, literature, poetry and art. At the 2010 Folk Awards he presented an award to Martin Simpson, In his speech Hawley remarked on being so in awe when Norma Waterson sang an unaccompanied song for him during the recording of the series, the experience reduced him to 'a puddle of piss'. His exploration of the artistry of songwriting and the relationship it has with the land and sea was masterful....more
21/06/2010
Folk Against Fascism
This carefully programmed and perfectly mastered compilation is the first in a planned series. As a statement of musical solidarity and mutual intolerance of intolerance, it is very welcome, but it also more than stands up to scrutiny from a purely listening point of view....more
02/06/2010
The Longshot
'The Longshot' is the fourth album from Debbie and Stu Hanna, perpetual nominees for best duo at the BBC Folk Awards. Since their first album Stu has become a highly regarded and in demand producer in the folk world, being at the helm for Mawkin Causley and the latest Show Of Hands album. The fact that Steve Knightley and Phil Beer trusted Stu implicitly with the production of their Arrogance Ignorance and Greed album speaks volumes for his skills....more
26/05/2010
Blue Beginnings
Who'd have thought a rag, in all its cheeky meanderings, could flow so nicely into an English Morris tune?...more
04/05/2010
Levellers Live
Following on from the Levellers being our guest editors in April we went to see them play at the Junction in Cambridge. Their first tour of 2010 is in smaller club venues, the Cambdidge Junction is a venue they have played many times in the past twenty years, and it's a fair bet that many in the sell out crowd have been to all of the gigs....more
27/04/2010
Show Of Hands
The gig the night before was cancelled. And so were the following three. We were lucky. Very lucky. But then again, Steve Knightley was never going to disappoint the punters at one of his favourite venues. Lazarus-like, he rose and delivered - despite a lurgy which must have left him feeling pretty ghastly....more
20/04/2010
Dust And Gold
It's the duty of all critics to compare any female musical artist to either Bjork or Joni Mitchell. At least that's what you'd assume if you regularly read the press. Of course this lazy and rampant compartmentalism doesn't do justice to many an independently minded performer such as Rachel Taylor-Beales, whose colour trilogy, has defied any easy tag from the start. 'Dust & Gold' now completes this intriguing series and offers up more of Rachel's idiosyncrasies in the shape of jazz-inflected storytelling, lush balladry and rootsy rambles. ...more
01/04/2010
Steve Knightley & Jenna
A NEAR capacity audience relished the extraordinary musicianship and singing of Steve Knightley at the Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton. Knightley - one half of the ever-popular West Country acoustic folk group Show of Hands - was in town on the second leg of a 25-date tour Even in a fairly large theatre setting, Knightley managed to bring a chatty intimacy to this well-produced show. Mind you, he knows how to get his wonderful songs across … venues are no problem....more
05/03/2010
Work Harder & One Day You’ll Find Her
Barney Morse-Brown is probably best recognised on the folk circuit as the cellist in Eliza Carthy’s current band. But as Duotone, and in Work Harder & One Day You’ll Find Her, you won’t hear the link. ...more
02/03/2010
Shipwrecks And Static
Foghorns and lilting seas; wind catching in the sails, the promise of land on the horizon. Somehow Inge Thomson manages to capture all the essence of nautical life on Shipwrecks And Static, but the listener is left wondering how when this is not a typically ‘folk’ album, though she may have you fooled by the album opening. Nevertheless, there’s nothing overtly hornpipe, there’s no bereft maiden waiting for her sailor. ...more
28/02/2010
Silent June
It wouldn’t be a gross exaggeration to deem Silent June a highly anticipated release, which, of course, is a coup for any new artist on the scene. Highly anticipated, because the listener simply could not know what to expect: there’s Belinda O’Hooley, once the ivory-anchor of Rachel Unthank and the Winterset, comedienne of the live show, folk and classical piano connoisseur; Heidi Tidow, a singer songwriter, plus a peppering of appearances from some of the folk scene’s young darlings in the form of Jackie Oates, Cormac Byrne and Anna Esslemont. ...more
08/02/2010
The Imagined Village: Live
Always a commanding performer, not one detail of Chris Wood's 'Hollow Point' is lost in this big hall; the nightmare lurches from daydream to grim reality, as the penny drops, and Charles De Menezes enters the tube station....more
02/02/2010
Mark The Hard Earth
Second album syndrome states that artists are creatively spent having used up their entire repertoire in one fell swoop previously. Coupled with this, many fail to make a stylistic leap, leaving a hollow release. And, although ‘Mark The Hard Earth’ doesn't forge a new identity for Kris Drever, it is more cohesive, enigmatic, and contains a classic from the man himself. ...more
26/01/2010
Rachel Taylor-Beales and Stacey Blythe Live
The grandeur of the Millennium Centre is a splendid place to witness an afternoon of live music. For some time now the venue have used their foyer stage to promote Welsh performers, from numerous genres, and it's here we find Rachel Taylor-Beales and Stacey Blythe, an inspired combination....more
15/01/2010
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