Reviews
Artist:Bonfire Radicals Album: The Space Between
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 9
Website: https://www.bonfireradicals.com/
The Bonfire Radicals are a 6-piece Birmingham based band who describe themselves as "(un)traditional folk", a new genre for me. They take their inspiration from music around the globe but present it in their own dynamic and high-octane way. Having seen, and enjoyed, them at several festivals this year I was intrigued to see if their music would translate to the more controlled atmosphere of the studio, so jumped at the chance to review "The Space Between", their second album. I'll get the good news out immediately; it does. There may not be the lights and the audience but the sound and energy carry through. Words like "raucous" are often applied to them but Bonfire Radicals are far more than a big party band. These are skilled musicians who certainly play with a great deal of verve and dynamism, but also have the sensitivity to interpret music from different sources.
The album's opening numbers show the range of the band well. "Brenda Stubbert's Reel" is a tune from Cape Breton's Jerry Holland and is driven by the exciting yet precise fiddle of Sarah Farmer, which segues into "The Bonfire", a joyous number showing skilful recorder playing of Michelle Holloway and will get you moving no matter where you are. "Cafe de Flore" starts with an almost calypso sound before becoming a French dance tune with some flourishes and is played with lightness and delicacy. Completing the musical family the drums, guitar and bass of Ilias Linzos, Emma Reading and Pete Churchill respectively maintain the steady rhythm and beat that holds the whole thing together. That just leaves one member of the band to mention, and Katie Stevens takes the lead on "Satsuma Moon", with the recorder weaving its way around her exciting clarinet. This is another high tempo piece to get the toes tapping.
"The Space Between" isn't just an instrumental album. "Mary Ashford" is a traditional murder ballad from Birmingham based on a true story. It may be over 200 years old but history has a habit of repeating itself. Michelle Holloway's delicate voice brings an appropriate sense of pathos to this sad tale, where justice did not appear to be served.
Pete Churchill swaps bass for accordion in "The Man From Suburbia", based on Surbiton perhaps if were relocated to the Balkans. With recorder, clarinet and fiddle all playing their part, and a driving percussion as well, this is the track I think best showcases the band's undoubted ability and effective use of music from around different cultures. "Sha, Sha, Di Shviger Kumt", which seamlessly moves into the frenetic "Freilacher Nashele", brings in more elements of Eastern, Balkan and Klezmer backgrounds in a most wonderful romp. Again the whole band plays their part but the clarinet and recorder stand out. "Coffee Countdown" closes the album and it brings to mind that sense of urgency and disorder that only the first cup of the day can deal with.
It's unusual for me to list every track on an album but this one is so varied and so full of good music that it was impossible to pick three or four that would sum it up and I enjoyed every single one of them. You can play it in the car or, possibly with the exception of "Mary Ashford", at a party. You could even listen to it whilst exercising. What it should do is encourage you to see the band live, because that's where you'll really appreciate them.
The album is available to pre-order now, through the website, with a release date on 30th September. The album launch, in Birmingham, is on the 18th October followed by a nationwide tour in November. Again the website has all the details and I'd strongly recommend getting along to a show or two if you can.
Tony Birch
| Previous | Next |
|---|---|
| Guilia Millanta: Woman On The Moon | 3 Pairs Of Boots: Mighty Love |
Recent Reviews
- Maria Mihailik:Maria Mihailik
- Mama's Broke:Reunion
- Leslie Waugh:Night Bloom
- Kate Waters:Some Comfort
- Faris Ishaq:Jasad
- The Kennedys:Smoketree
- Nic Norton and Alice Morell:The Stone Tape
- M G Boulter & Jenny Sturgeon:Wild Convenor
- Christian Parker, Patrick Cleary and Earl Poole Ball:American Cosmic Revival Vol 2: Miles From Nowhere
- Around About Dusk:Sweet Old Fables
Runaway
Fatea Showcase Sessions
The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Pirate is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
www.fatea-showcase-sessions.co.uk for all the artist information.