Reviews

Artist: The Demon Barbers
Album: And The Adventures Of Captain Ward
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.thedemonbarbers.com

There was a time years ago when a band called Elecampane brought a lively theatrical folk-rock approach to festival audiences and that band’s album “The Further Adventures Of Mr Punch” comes very much to mind as I review this CD by The Demon Barbers. Capturing and conveying the spirit of what is essentially a live performance isn’t an easy task but the Barbers more than justify themselves with this robust recording.

In keeping with Tony Hall’s sea based cartoon sleeve traditional tracks such as “Captain Ward”, “Harry’s Hornpipe” and “Three Drunken Maidens” rub shoulders with Will Hampson’s “Munchen Fest”, Damien Barber’s “Rise Up” and “Pound A Week Rise” by Ed Pickford.

The playing is full of vigour driven by Barber’s (concertina/guitar), Bryony Griffith (fiddle), Hampson’s (melodeon), Lee Sykes (bass) and Ben Griffith’s drums and although perhaps a little relentless at times the band’s layered vocals are strident enough to provide loads of clout when required. The inclusion of some clog dancing and contemporary twists provided by John Stuckey’s beatbox provides just the right amount of quirky audio pleasure and, if you want to indulge yourselves, check out the “Time Gentleman Please” video on their website. They’re not only an audio but visual delight as well.

Peter Fyfe

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