Folk

Honouring a Folk Legacy: Martin Matthews’ Final Album Supports Cancer Charities

21st Nov 2024 — Leave a comment

A slightly different one today, as I wanted to draw attention to the new posthumous release from folk musician Martin Matthews.

The album, No Time Like The Present, features 17 tracks recorded during the final months of Martin’s life before his passing in August 2023 at the age of 71, following a courageous battle with bowel cancer.

Martin’s friends and family have released the album to raise funds for three charities close to his heart: The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Marie Curie.

Over the course of 20 years, Martin played in 12 bands, becoming a beloved figure in the North East folk scene, and collaborated on four albums with producer Sean Taylor.

It is Taylor, who worked with Martin over the past 20 years, who finished the project based on Martin’s detailed notes.

With the proceeds from the album, Martin’s friends and family are now hoping to support the organisations that provided vital care during his illness, which included a clinical trial for innovative cancer drug at Newcastle’s Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre.

Martin’s wife Maria had this to say about the work that these charities:

“The support we received from these organisations during Martin’s illness is something I, along with our wonderful daughter Cate, will always cherish. Their kindness and practical assistance during such a challenging time made a world of difference to our experience.

Martin was truly grateful for all they did for him, and it was his firm wish that proceeds from this album, one he was incredibly passionate about, went to them in order to support other families facing a cancer diagnosis.”

The album can be ordered via Martin Matthews’ official website, or you can donate to these charities in Martin’s name here.

Amateur Ornithologist Celebrate Their Anniversary in Style with Belle Skies and May Days in Barcelona – Live at The Globe, Newcastle

22nd Oct 2024 — Leave a comment

Friday night saw art-pop outfit Amateur Ornithologist celebrate their anniversary at The Globe with a vibrant live performance.

The night began with support from Sheffield’s May Days In Barcelona, who brought a different vibe to proceedings with a shoegaze-inspired brand of folk that was truly magical to witness.

May Days In Barcelona – Live at The Globe – 18/10/24

An awful lot of effort went into their performance, featuring numerous looper pedals, a violin and a guitar. This 100% paid off, delivering a captivating and engaging performance that silenced the room.

With songs inspired by such things as birds of prey, it’s no surprise that the set felt majestic and beautiful. The set was concluded by a wonderful cover of Smile! No One Cares How You Feel!, which rounded off the musically rich show well.

They were followed by Belle Skies, who shifted the mood from shoegaze-inspired folk to full blown indie rock. I was impressed by the groups stage prescence, which was both captivating and engaging, further enhancing their very unique style of indie rock.

Clad head to toe in medieval regalia, the group took influence from the least obvious places with songs inspired by Saint Rose of Lima, the patron saint of embroidery, and Nosferatu.

This all led to fun and surreal pieces of indie rock, which seemed to draw inspiration from the 2000s with twinkling synths, strings and riotous guitars.

The whole thing came together very well leaving an impression and showcasing their crop of great indie rock songs.

Belle Skies – Live at The Globe –18/10/24

Next up were headliners Amateur Ornithlogist, who decorated the stage in beautiful autumnal leaves and even dotted a few fake crows about for added effect. The group really took full advantage of their headline slot bringing energy and costumes aplenty to bring something different to their show.

However, the focus was fully on the performance, which was executed to perfection with the stage presence matching the quality of the songwriting on show. The whole thing popped with colour and excitement.

Musically, the band falls somewhere in between musical theatre, Talking Heads, and David Bowie, crafting a unique blend of traditional pop and new wave.

The combination of violins, guitars and thumping bass worked incredibly well to create a collage of fun, colourful songs with meaningful lyrics to boot.

Frontman Daniel Clifford’s vocals were excellent, injecting something special into each tune. This was further enhanced by the amazing lyrics, which flickered between personal topics and playful whimsy.

Amateur Ornithologist – Live at The Globe – 18/10/24

Particular highlights included When They Fall, with it’s epic Bowie-esque feel, and Birds Fly Over Me, which has been stuck in my head for days since the gig.

The instrumentation was fantastic throughout the night, with the band sounding tight. I especially want to praise the guitar work, which was truly excellent, without being overly showy with its beautifully clean tones.

The night concluded with a noncore that treated the crowd to a fun cover of Boney M’s Rasputin, a fittingly enjoyable finale with the band’s Talking Heads vibe turned up to ten.

Overall, I had a thoroughly enjoyable Friday night, and I’m excited to see where the group goes next as they depart the live scene to create their next album.

Daniel Maple’s Gorgeous New EP Four Walls Displays His Raw Talent At It’s Best – EP REVIEW

16th Oct 2024 — Leave a comment

Combining experimentation with stark production, Durham’s Daniel Maple leaves no place to hide with his latest release.

From the first track, I Love You And I Hate Goodbye, it is immediately evident how much talent has gone into crafting this EP. With just an electric guitar and his vocals, the Durham singer-songwriter fills all available space with his songwriting talent and terrific singing voice.

The song opens with a gorgeous guitar flourish – something that runs throughout the EP – which sees Maple flex his rhythm and lead guitar skills, crafting complex and intricate melodies which are not immediately obvious to the ear.

Throughout, his guitar skills are matched by a set of defiant lyrics, which add an extra dimension to this beautiful track.

Crying In A Different Key uses musical metaphors to craft a creative set of lyrics that encapsulate Maple’s emotions. This lies atop an intricate rhythm guitar part fitted with a clean tone with an underlying bite.

A beautiful descending opening brings you into third track, Lewis, where Maple displays the strength of his vocals to really sell a touching track. This flows nicely into Waiting In The Catapult, which features a great chorus, with the Durham songwriter getting a lot out of a little.

On this particular track, I found shades of Elliot Smith alongside the influence of Bob Dylan which runs deep throughout the EP’s sharp lyrics.

Lonely Night takes a more full-bodied approach to the guitar work, weaving a beautiful love song that is capped off by a gorgeous set of yearning lyrics. It also features a great solo that illustrates Maple’s phenomenal guitar playing. This gives way to Easier Rider, which has a rockier feel, with more bite added to the guitar.

Closer War and Freedom features yet another complex melody, which still manages to sound warm, providing a gorgeous feel. Maple really saves the best for last, with the vocals delivering an epic performance worthy of the song.

Overall, this is a phenomenal EP that showcases what can be done with just an electric guitar and vocals. I really adored listening to every twist and turn.

Darren Burdis Takes an Emotional Stroll Through Heartbreak on New Single “Heartbeats” – Single Review

3rd Oct 2024 — Leave a comment

Indie singer-songwriter Darren Burdis’ new single will certainly get hearts fluttering with a gorgeous, personal track.

The Newcastle songwriter has turned in a clever and touching acoustic ballad, hitting hard from the moment the needle drops.

The shimmering guitar line that floats atop the acoustic opening is a gorgeous way to start showcasing Burdis’ talent with the instrument and setting the track on the right path.

I particularly enjoyed how the drumbeat mirrored the rhythm of a heartbeat, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail in the production.

In terms of the overall vibe of the song I could hear the influences of indie folk artists such as Elliot Smith, particularly evident in the heartbreaking lyrics.

This is beautifully intertwined with the glossy guitar work which reminded me of the heartland rock of Bruce Springsteen and the North East’s own Sam Fender.

The vocal delivery is hoarse and husky perfectly suited to this track giving Burdis the perfect tools to paint this emotionally raw piece onto the record.

The gorgeous backing vocals towards the backend of the song evoke early Radiohead, and if you’re into similar acoustic indie music with a lot of heart, this single is definitely for you.

Go On A Tranquil Escape with Parissa Zarifi’s New LP “Sing For My Soul” – Album Review

8th Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

Parissa Zarifi’s new album is a beautifully tranquil experience, seamlessly blending elements of folk and alternative music with remarkable results.

Beginning with Free of You, you are immediately ushered into a world of beautiful strings and twinkling guitars. This single provides an early glimpse of the collaboration between Zarifi and guitarist Rob Harvey, who features on several tracks throughout the album.

His guitar work pairs perfectly with Zarifi’s beautiful songwriting, adding an extra layer to the strong folk vibes that the track exudes. At times, it even evokes the feel of Fleetwood Mac’s folkier moments, with the classic rock guitar complementing nicely with the folk aesthetic.

Kings & Queens is rich with violins, bringing an almost medieval feel to proceedings. I could easily imagine it playing during a banquet scene in Game of Thrones, with its lush string arrangements.

This helps to build the peaceful and chill atmosphere of the album, which is masterfully put together with thought given to both the track structure and sequencing. I particularly enjoyed the ethereal choir on this song, which added depth to the production, creating a full-bodied sound where all the elements interact harmoniously.

Find Yourself In The Dark has a similar feel with gorgeous songwriting, especially in the chorus, which felt almost Kate Bush-esque with its dramatic swells of violins and timeless quality.

The next track, Slow, is blessed with beautiful twinkling guitars and harps, which allow you to sink into the song with their serene nature. The beautiful string section solo was also a gorgeous touch, enhancing further the stylish nature of the song.

The ethereal backdrop continues on To Be Free, where Zarifi’s stunning performance truly shines, particularly in the chorus, where her voice rises above the delicate string arrangements.

The performances across the album are strong, whether it be Harvey’s excellent guitar playing or the amazing vocal and string performances. Each contribute significantly to the album’s atmospheric mood.

The reverb-laden guitar passages in Written In The Sand contribute something slightly different to the rest of the album, without disrupting the overall style and production. Meanwhile, the classic songwriting of Don’t Look Back helps create a defiant mood, mirrored by the lyrics’ focus on moving forward as a form of healing.

Entwined In The Heat stands out with its beautifully layered guitar passages across a solid acoustic base. When the violins enter and the track intensifies, it reaches new heights with some spectacular performances.

The Stars Align yet again shows the really strong songwriting which Zarifi brings to this LP with an absolutely amazing chorus. The album concludes perfectly with Sing For My Soul, a track that encapsulates what makes this album so special, featuring beautiful string sections and impressive guiar work.

Overall, if you love your alternative folk then this is a must listen however I would also recommended it to anyone who wants to switch off and get lost in a really great album with a fantastic mood.

J.P Riggall’s “The Cabin Session EP”: A Soulful Journey Through Stripped-Back Folk – EP Review

2nd Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

J.P. Riggall’s new live EP showcases the folk singer’s powerful songwriting ability with a striking collection of atmospheric tracks.

The EP opens with Cold Cold Mountain, a song that sets the tone with its chilled production, placing the emphasis firmly on the performance.

Riggall’s North East accent pierces through the folk vibe of the track, providing authenticity to the passionate delivery of the track.

Overall, the track is a heartfelt tune, demonstrating Riggall’s talent as both a songwriter and a live performer. The stripped-back arrangement highlights his focus on emotion.

This theme continues We’ve Already Seen Him Dead, where stark acoustics and melodic leanings take centre stage. The slight echo provided by the venue adds nuance to Riggall’s voice, enhancing the powerful and beautiful performance.

Through this power, Riggall amplifies the already strong songwriting, squeezing every inch of emotion out of the song. The result is a moving performance of an outstanding track.

The EP closes with My Lovely Bones, a gorgeously touching tune. Once again, Riggall achieves a lot with a little – just an acoustic guitar and his voice, creating a captivating atmosphere. The emotion is palpable, bleeding through the soundwaves as Riggall delivers yet another great performance.

The track itself is wonderfully constructed, with a melodic core and a heart-wrenching chorus. It’s a beautiful way to conclude a stunning live EP.

Let Specky Cult Take You On A Journey With Their Genre Spanning New Album “A Different Kind Of Difficult” – ALBUM REVIEW

16th Jul 2024 — 1 Comment

Specky Cult’s sophomore album blends rock and folk together to craft a unique voice with a truly North East perspective.

The first track, Come Back Kid, immediately sets the scene for the record with a folky feel reminiscent of groups such as Fleetwood Mac. The acoustic guitar on the track immediately establishes this, as gorgeous piano lines drive the track forward, opening the LP in fine fashion.

Love Crap then takes the LP in a different direction, embracing more of an alt-rock sound while maintaining a folk edge. Just imagine a hard rock Lindsey Buckingham, and you are along the right lines. These are joined by synths in the mix, which enrich the listener’s palette.

The LP takes another twist on the third song Seriously, which begins in a manner which echoes About A Girl by Nirvana, before opening up into an interesting melodic flow and a refrain of “seriously” which imbues the chorus.

The group channels Bob Dylan with a lovely mouth organ beginning on Alibi, continuing the folky vibe of the record. The chorus of “I’m not your alibi” sends out a defiant message, hammering home the theme of the track.

Everything Is Awesome brings back the rock guitars, along with a beautiful MOOG synth line that mirrors the vocal line. The song’s lyrics are deeply personal in tone, with the chorus sending a hopeful message to the listener.

Lovely guitar swells adorn Hell Before Breakfast, building towards a great chorus. The track is then immediately followed by Anthems and Tantrums, which takes the folk vibes up to ten with its gorgeous production.

Pull The Plug bursts to life with dominating guitars, surrounded by lyrics that tackle the challenges of living in the internet age, injecting some sharp social commentary into the album.

The track that follows, Pie and Mash, continues along these lines, commenting on the mundanity of everyday life and stating that all singer Carol Stephen needs is “pie, mash and a pint of ale”.

Pie and Mash – Specky Cult

The title track, A Different Kind Of Difficult, begins with a heavy guitar riff, leaving behind the folk vibe that dominates the album for a classic rock feel filled with nice MOOG lines and gorgeously crafted riffs.

The album then comes to an end on Big Shop, which opens with a fake shop closing announcement that I thought was a nice touch. The track’s instrumentation is warm, contradicting the lyrics that complain about the mundanity of ageing, life, and doing the shopping on a Friday.

Overall, this album showcases the band’s strengths as well as the breadth of their musical influences. If you love classic rock and folk, then the band will almost certainly be for you.

Single Review – Different Kind of Heartbreak – Matt Dunbar & The Autonomous Collective

18th Jun 2020 — Leave a comment

A ‘Different Kind of Heartbreak’ is the debut single by local Americana band Matt Dunbar & The Autonomous Collective.

Matt Dunbar & the Autonomous Collective

The single shows the band reacting to the allegations surrounding Ryan Adams and the loss of trust in idols.

That is immediately clear in the vocals which are delivered in a passion filled strain which goes a long way to selling the song.

Lyrically, the song is punchy whilst perhaps not the most unique, the simplistic tone works with the subject matter demanding a raw response.

The narrative of the song is one which many people can relate to, the idea of someone you respect and idolize disappointing you and this is conveyed well within the track.

However, the lyrics do become weaker as the track progresses as the song title is repeated and repeated.

Whilst this plays into the catchyness of the single, it does get repetitive after hearing the same phrase repeated 15 times in a three minute track.

Despite this, the track delivers well on it’s message and keeps focus throughout.

From a musical standpoint the track is extremely well produced, the rich lead guitar line underneath the verse deliver dreamy distorted riffs which really add to ambiance of the track.

The punch of the band exploding to life at the start of the chorus also works well delivering big country vibes of which the lyrics also appear to have taken influence from.

The track as a whole is well put together and sounds easy on the ear and is definitely worth checking out especially if you’re into country and folk.

Different Kind of Heartbreak is out on Friday 19th June 2020 on Spotify, Amazon and Bandcamp.

If you would like your music reviewed drop me an email at humbugnortheast@gmail.com.