Black Peak
Album: In Times Back When
Label: Black Peak Music
Tracks: 9
Website: www.blackpeakmusic.com

I was disappointed not to be able to get up to Winchester for the launch night of the latest Black Peak album, "In Times Back When", but to console myself I've been trying to play the album to death and despite my best efforts, I don't think I've even inflicted a flesh wound yet.

The reason that this album takes so many plays is simple really, it has so much to give. "In Times back When" is an album that reaches across boundaries, taking the best from what it's spanning. It has a traditional feel in the way the songs are constructed, there's a very pastoral feel to them, but the presentation feels more contemporary, the way the words and notes are put together.

Just when you think it's an album of words and poetry the playing comes to the fore and similarly as you're being absorbed by the melody, the tunes and harmonies reach for your attention. Darren Black and Deborah Peake have gained great experience in other bands, I'm a huge fan of Amalthea, another duo Deborah is in, but there is a chemistry in Black Peak that has a rare quality to it.

It's also a wonderfully produced album, albums like this can be really difficult as there is already so much spark in the playing and the singing, it requires a really delicate touch to make sure that get's captured in the grooves we get to hear and David Wallace has done a magnificent job. He captures the spirit of Black Peak as surely as night captures day and day captures night.

That spirit is really important, I'm a big fan of the darker side of folk music, but I also like to hear music that's uplifting and rousing and this album is all of that. That's not to say there aren't dark aspects to the album, thought provoking ones too. "The Humble Bee" highlights how important the insect is, cause once it's gone, it won't be long before we follow.

With the exception of their take on traditional fiddle tune "An Phis Fhliuch" all of the tunes and songs on the album are penned by Darren and Deborah and it's an incredibly exciting set they've put together. "In Times Back When" is an album with such strength of character, such an inspired and inspiring feel, give it a chance to raise your battered soul.

Neil King