Post by James SftBH on Sept 29, 2007 21:58:50 GMT 1
About the only thing missing from Songs From The Blue House's latest album Tree, is a barrel of beer and a pub full of good friends. This is music to be enjoyed in good company.
It is also about as far from shallow, meaningless and soulless entertainment as you could get., it is warm and full of life. Tree is the kind of music, non-musicians dream about making. Instead of being ornate, fussy and unnecessarily over emotional, the delicate shades of folk, roots, country and perhaps the merest whisper of bluegrass combine to create a diamond. It normally grates when a band that is perfectly capable of writing its own songs, includes a 'token' cover but I have to admit that the band's version of (Don't Fear) The Reaper works well. If it's a token then it's the kind given to a much-loved friend.
It may seem like its stating the obvious, but Tree is entirely about the music. Too many throw in the kitchen sink, in the hope of creating lasting effect, SFTBH add gentle layer upon gentle layer, the result is far more telling and long-lasting.
This is an album built around folk music at its subtle best, Her, In My Arms and Kings and Gods come straight from the souls of musicians, all three are naturally captivating without flaunting their rough-hewn credentials. The band is a tight, talented unit - it has no reason or need to suggest otherwise.
SFTBH may not be the loudest or most forceful of bands but then again, it has no need to be when it has material of this calibre at its disposal. However, there is still a fire burning underneath the likes of Song V (luckily it also the fifth song on the album). It's an untouched tribute to the best traditions of folk, it has a story to tell and it tells it plainly and without fuss.
But there is just no getting away from the fact that Tree is an album built and designed to be enjoyed and savoured. Nowhere is there any pretence or suggestion of a barrier between band and listener. Quite clearly SFTBH had a whale of a time making it and poured a collective heart and soul into it. It doesn't take a genius to work out what you put in, you get out, so enjoy.
Mike Mee September 2007
www.netrhythms.co.uk/reviewss.html#sftbh
It is also about as far from shallow, meaningless and soulless entertainment as you could get., it is warm and full of life. Tree is the kind of music, non-musicians dream about making. Instead of being ornate, fussy and unnecessarily over emotional, the delicate shades of folk, roots, country and perhaps the merest whisper of bluegrass combine to create a diamond. It normally grates when a band that is perfectly capable of writing its own songs, includes a 'token' cover but I have to admit that the band's version of (Don't Fear) The Reaper works well. If it's a token then it's the kind given to a much-loved friend.
It may seem like its stating the obvious, but Tree is entirely about the music. Too many throw in the kitchen sink, in the hope of creating lasting effect, SFTBH add gentle layer upon gentle layer, the result is far more telling and long-lasting.
This is an album built around folk music at its subtle best, Her, In My Arms and Kings and Gods come straight from the souls of musicians, all three are naturally captivating without flaunting their rough-hewn credentials. The band is a tight, talented unit - it has no reason or need to suggest otherwise.
SFTBH may not be the loudest or most forceful of bands but then again, it has no need to be when it has material of this calibre at its disposal. However, there is still a fire burning underneath the likes of Song V (luckily it also the fifth song on the album). It's an untouched tribute to the best traditions of folk, it has a story to tell and it tells it plainly and without fuss.
But there is just no getting away from the fact that Tree is an album built and designed to be enjoyed and savoured. Nowhere is there any pretence or suggestion of a barrier between band and listener. Quite clearly SFTBH had a whale of a time making it and poured a collective heart and soul into it. It doesn't take a genius to work out what you put in, you get out, so enjoy.
Mike Mee September 2007
www.netrhythms.co.uk/reviewss.html#sftbh