Release Date: 14 September 2018
Label: No Masters
Packaging Type: Digipak
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 5020393905220
Genres: Folk  English Folk  
Release Date: 14 September 2018
Label: No Masters
Packaging Type: Digipak
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 5020393905220
Genres: Folk  English Folk  
Description
Narthen are Barry Coope and Lester Simpson (Coope Boyes and Simpson), Jo Freya (Blowzabella, Moirai) and Fi Fraser (PolkaWorks, The Old Fashioned). The album reflects the eclectic and varied nature of Narthen's live performances, where pathos and heartbreak are juxtaposed with uplifting humour to produce something rather memorable and moving.
All four members of Narthen are seasoned and gifted instrumentalists and vocalists, as displayed on this album. Peter Bond's song "It Haunts Me Still" features Country-influenced a cappella four-part harmony singing, while tracks like "Morning Come, Maria Gone" and the heart-breaking rendition of "Heart Like A Wheel" combine vocals with sympathetic instrumental accompaniment. Dotted amongst these songs are purely instrumental tracks, like "Galician Tunes", which is a glorious, sun-filled romp through some great Spanish melodies.
The album combines the best of timeless, traditional tracks, such as "Acre Of Land", with songs penned by band members (Lester's "The VADs" and Jo's "Devil's Porridge"), alongside songs written by the cream of contemporary songwriters - for example, here we have Ray Hearne's "Pudding Burner", a celebration of female crane drivers working in an overwhelmingly male environment, being given a calypso feel.
Tracklisting
O'Hooley & Tidow
Coope, Boyes & Simpson
Coope, Boyes & Simpson
Narthen
O'Hooley & Tidow
Chumbawamba
Coope, Boyes & Simpson
Ray Hearne
Eliza Carthy & Ben Seal
Jon Doran & The Northern Assembly
The Home Service
Nick Harper
Banter
Mat Green & Andy Turner
Leon Rosselson
Various Artists