nederlands
englishAll content is © 2006-2009, Evening of Light.
Firstly, I have to say that it's a little strange to be reviewing this album on a site like this. Stormcrow is a band that holds more appeal for fans of artists such as Pentangle, Fairport Convention and The Albion Band than Current 93, Death in June and Sol Invictus. What we're basically looking at here is some lively pagan-oriented folk-rock in the classic sense. Quite complex arrangements of mainly plucked strings with some light percussions, evokes a celtic-lite world of faeries and phantasms, highwaymen and dragons, flickering fires and strong ale.
The whole album is recorded very low-fi, as if in a live setting, which gives it a certain intimacy which fits in with the pub sing-along atmosphere of songs like "Old Admiral Steiner" and "Justice" (both definite highlights). However, this does not always set off the singing style of the (seemingly) several vocalists: you are reminded at points of the common opinion of folk singers (they can't). "Legend" and "Highwayman" in particular have some quite cringe-worthy moments. A rye sense of humour off-sets any deep seriousness the album might pretend to, though we are by no means in filk territory yet, and we are treated to some decent atmospheric moments in songs like "Dark Waters" with its faux-choir backing vocals and complex celtic guitar work. Indeed, this general lack of seriousness is something that greatly helps the album, which would otherwise be far too ridiculous. Over-all though, for what it's trying to be, I think this album works.
This isn't really something all that revolutionary or experimental, it isn't a timeless work of art or a profound statement, it isn't something you'll still be playing in twenty years time, other people have been here before and done it better: this is reflected in the score, which comes with the warning given above about the albums appeal. However, if you enjoy the appeal of lively modern British folk music in an intimate setting, then this album recieves my recommendation. So, at the end of the day, more one for knitted waistcoats and real ale than combat fatigues and absinthe, but still a fun little slice of music. I imagine this band would be far more enjoyable live than they are on CD.
Quietus
The whole album is recorded very low-fi, as if in a live setting, which gives it a certain intimacy which fits in with the pub sing-along atmosphere of songs like "Old Admiral Steiner" and "Justice" (both definite highlights). However, this does not always set off the singing style of the (seemingly) several vocalists: you are reminded at points of the common opinion of folk singers (they can't). "Legend" and "Highwayman" in particular have some quite cringe-worthy moments. A rye sense of humour off-sets any deep seriousness the album might pretend to, though we are by no means in filk territory yet, and we are treated to some decent atmospheric moments in songs like "Dark Waters" with its faux-choir backing vocals and complex celtic guitar work. Indeed, this general lack of seriousness is something that greatly helps the album, which would otherwise be far too ridiculous. Over-all though, for what it's trying to be, I think this album works.
This isn't really something all that revolutionary or experimental, it isn't a timeless work of art or a profound statement, it isn't something you'll still be playing in twenty years time, other people have been here before and done it better: this is reflected in the score, which comes with the warning given above about the albums appeal. However, if you enjoy the appeal of lively modern British folk music in an intimate setting, then this album recieves my recommendation. So, at the end of the day, more one for knitted waistcoats and real ale than combat fatigues and absinthe, but still a fun little slice of music. I imagine this band would be far more enjoyable live than they are on CD.
Quietus