Bard
Album: The Springtime Fool
Label: Woodburner
Tracks: 12
Website: www.wearebard.com

Albums these days seem to stick to a familiar beaten trail. There's the big opening, the sometimes suspect middle bit where the 'experimental' side of the artist may come peeking out and the wind down at the end. Bard are a welcome breeze of difference with their new album "The Springtime Fool". Billed as 'old folk hits a new groove' is probably one of the most accurate and honest descriptions of a band I've ever read.

"The Springtime Fool" is a pleasant churn of pure folk with Celtic undertones throughout and a cheeky bluesy smattering on tracks "Beating Of My Heart" and "Late Afternoon", the stand out kooky tune. It's not just Ewan Bleach's sultry clarinet notes that bring this track to the front of your memory but Theo Bard's intelligent lyrics and Louisa Jones' subtle backing vocals too. No other track can make you mentally cough through a fug of smoke in a dimly lit room housing these three gorgeous gems; it's an after-hours drinking club where the drinks are watered down but the entertainment is second to none. Naughty but very nice.

Bard have spent much of their time touring and promoting in 2011 and appearances at Glastonbury and Secret Garden Party started the ball rolling in terms of getting noticed by the right people. This year looks rosy for Bard and armed with "The Springtime Fool" will surely grant them AAA wherever they take themselves.

Emma Sutherland
http://emmasutherland.posterous.com