In an age of pitch correction and quantised instruments, here is a journey into sound that allows you to hear every pluck, every strum and every word with a vibrancy and clarity that speaks volumes about the live experience and about an exceptionally well-rehearsed band that have been honing their craft and chemistry together for the best part of twenty years.
Folk
Celtic Purple brings together soulful performances with engaging melodies and an array of musically warm soundscapes, each with a fairly raw and intimate presentation style, giving off the sense that Cady and the band are playing right there in the room with you.
The band are working out a lot harder than a cursory listen would imply, and their attention to detail is a pleasure to notice upon repeat listens. I would say that they deserve a shout-out, but this is a lullaby…
The Lexington Stretch is an absolute treat for the ears and the soul, soothing the energy in the room with gritty yet smooth blues melodies, seductive harmonies, and songwriting that digs right into the core of the human experience in a poetic and completely engaging way.
As with Folk music, the instrumental and general contour of the melody repeats so that the most importance is placed on the text, in which Rebecca alluringly depicts an image of a Siren on the rocks, distracting those that are near, almost as if she is the siren herself.
As songs with universal messages go, here’s one that exists as a timeless and contemporary production at the same time. Essentially a piano and vocal piece with a few bells and whistles of production glitter, it’s surely designed as affirmation of the highest order. When the chorus arrives with the ‘yeah, you’re different’ lyric, it’s … Continued
Gorgeously cinematic guitar tones meet with folk-like story-telling and stunning harmonies on this latest EP from Night Market.
Beginning with an intriguing hit of poetry, followed shortly afterwards by a mildly haunting, slightly Gypsy-jazz like rhythm and soundscape, the song emerges with a decidedly traditional folk aura.
There’s a certain caliber of artistry represented here that extends skyward without limits. Poetry and societal or political relevance intertwine in again subtle manners that slowly but surely paint a clear and striking picture before you. Meanwhile, oppression and struggle are represented visually by various characters locked in fist fights that edge their way around the building.
The Stifftones have chosen a quiet and genuine setting for this because the song itself is one that deals with personal, reflective ideas – a sense of being far away, isolated or alone.
Contrast is utilized well throughout this song, there are indeed instances of peacefulness and folk purity, but these are more often than not followed up by those which strike as a little darker.
Jenkins’ writing style takes you through the many experiences of life – the successes, the regrets, the little things that light up an average day. When combined with such a genuine and real-time folk-rock sound this lets the songs connect in an honest way.