Reviews
Artist:The Meadows Album: Dreamless Days
Label: Pokey Cupboard
Tracks: 11
Website: https://www.themeadowsband.co.uk
The Meadows (Melody, Fantasia, Harvey and Titania) are a sibling quartet from Wales who've been building a steady reputation as interpreters and arrangers of traditional songs. That, in itself, is not unusual but they bring an extra dimension as they're all classically trained, giving them a unique sound that's as welcome at a folk club or festival as it would be at a formal choral concert. However, with their second album, "Dreamless Days", they've taken the next step on their musical journey and shown they're not only excellent musicians and singers but also writers of quality material that lifts them to a whole new level.
The idea for an album came as a lockdown project but it was the two youngest, Harvey and Titania, who came up with the idea of making it original work. Perhaps drawing inspiration from the constrained circumstances the songs and tunes are localised and personal, often taking the form of a dreamscape drawing on memories, places and legends. Very much like a dream there will be elements of truth and memory mixed in with the uncertainty of the present. What this has produced is an album of great charm that's capable of transporting the listener to a different place, and provides a buffer against reality. I've found myself taking the time to really listen to this album, sitting back and becoming absorbed in it rather than dipping in and out or doing something else as it plays. That's not usual for me but it suits this work and the commitment is repaid in full.
Of the eleven tracks ten are by by band, with the eight songs written by Titania or Fantasia. Opening the album "Lullaby" sets the tone with it's very first verse with a feeling we've probably all experienced recently.
"Lay you head on the pillow,
Let your eyes rest in sleep,
Try not to think on the cares of today,
Think instead the hopes of tomorrow."
It's difficult to pick other tracks to highlight, because they're all so good. They have that "Meadows sound" of lush harmonies, beautiful singing and superb musicianship. All the band are skilled multi-instrumentalists and although Titania is the lead vocalist, with a beautifully clear voice, they can all sing. The first single from the album is "Elusive Dreams" is a very beautiful ballad. "Merlin's Oak" is a fun song, cataloguing a number of myths and legends with a very bouncing sing-along chorus that I'm sure will be popular during live sets.
There are two instrumental tracks, showcasing their musical ability and punctuating the album nicely. Both "Castell Dryslwyn" and "Gelli Aur" are real places that are important to the family and no doubt represent a sense of permanence and happiness that are anchors in times of uncertainty. The only track not by the band is "Dream You Into Life", which was written specially for them by Steve Balsamo. That show the high regard in which they're held.
I think this will prove to be an important album for several reasons. It shows The Meadows have creative, as well as technical, skills and that will undoubtedly increase their appeal. It also demonstrates that music doesn't have to sit in a box; traditional and more classical sounds can be combined without having to compromise. It's also an album full of wonderful music that will grace any collection and be played again and again.
Dreamless Days is available now for pre-order through the website or other platforms, with a release date of September 24th. This will be preceded by a live album launch at the Gelli Aur Country Park, Carmarthen on the 18th.
Tony Birch
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