A wonderfully bright and highly original debut.
Sid Smith
2009-09-16
History
and myth comprise the lifeblood coursing through folk music’s veins,
and plenty of both can be found surging through this new and startling
collection from The Kittiwakes.
Based in south-east England, the trio of Kate Denny (vocals and
violin), Jill Cumberbatch (mandolin, violin and banjo) and Chris
Harrison (accordion) have applied themselves to a song cycle composed
by Denny, based upon her impressions of Norway’s Lofoten Islands
The bleak but often awesome natural beauty of the region is evoked
by Denny’s blend of traditional Norwegian and British styles. On first
impressions, their hale and hearty delivery is certainly pleasing
enough; but then so are most acts on the scene these days.
From an instrumental viewpoint the music here has a warm lilt that
would easily put a blush on the cheek of a many a céilidh-goer.
However, one shouldn’t be lulled into getting all cosied-up.
As what really gives the group their power and demands attention is
their hair-raising collective voice. The best example of this is the
title track, featuring goose-bump-inducing three-part harmonies – it’s
an extraordinary sound.
Much of the success of the album is down to its immediacy and
directness. Unadorned by any studio trickery, when turned up loud
(which is highly recommended) it’s almost like having the three
Kittiwakes in the room with you.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/r2n8The in-your-face attitude in Denny’s singing combined with some
haunting and poignant writing, as well their intricate but always
robust playing, makes this a wonderfully bright and highly original
debut.