A Singsong And A Scrap

Chumbawamba

This album marks the flowering of the slimmed down acoustic/acapella Chumbawamba, just four of them now. It is still unmistakeably the Chumba sound, albeit a 'newfolk agitprop acoustic ' combo. Gone are the samples and drumloops, in are guitars, fiddle, mando, pipes and accordian. Also along for the ride are some fine contributing artists such as John Jones and Ian Telfer from the Oysterband.

Their heartfelt politics and social conscience which gives their songs their lyrical weight are still in place, and they still deliver the most vitriol in as tuneful manner as ever. What probably marks this recording out is it's timeless quality; William Hall is a song of a wealth and power obsessed workhouse owner in the 1600's. It's as relevant tale of greed (personal or corporate) to the 21st century.

Dispel any notions of this being somehow a lesser beast than previous Chumba albums, embracing the English folk tradition has given them fresh pastures to ramble across. Literally in the case of You Can (Mass Trespass 1932) which celebrates the ramblers who assaulted Kinder Scout in the Peak District and kick started the process of the right to roam. This was one of the seminal 'direct actions' in the UK and proof that it works.

The thoughtful and timely social observance continues across the anti-war Laughter In A Time Of War, the anti-fundamentalist Walking In To Battle With The Lord and the social satire of The Land Of Do What You're Told. Some people run from Chumbawamba in fear as it's all so political and worthy, but don't forget that they are just songs that work on many levels - and the acoustic sound is even more approachable than some of their previous outings.

Iain Hazlewood