Reviews
Artist:The Trials Of Cato Album: Gog Magog
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 12
Website: https://www.thetrialsofcato.com/
Originally a trio of like minded English Teachers in Beruit (maybe some of that Arabic oud sound endures in the evocative melodies in “Paper Planes” and the title instrumental). The Trials of Cato relocated to the UK in 2016, quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Founder member Will Addison departed after the trio’s first album and was replaced by renowned musician and Magpies member Polly Bolton and it is multi instrumental folk power three piece that releases GOG MAGOG.
“Paper Planes” opens with a real hook of a banjo riff, like The Drystones, The Trials Of Cato breathe a little studio magic and sparkle so it shimmers with dance tent magic. The song delivered by Polly lead and Robin and Tomos’ backing vocals is a delightful tale of escapism. TOC are in fine voice and the playing is superb. The aforementioned title track is a delight of knotty playing with a melody carried by atmospheric oud like banjo and guitar with more than a little Bella Fleck fusion magic. “Ring Of Roses” has a miasmic quality with hypnotic playing an a decidedly eldritch Psych Folk edge to Polly’s layered vocals. “Aberdaron” is a sublime interpretation of the Welsh language poem, opening with some a capella harmonies, that blend with gentle acoustic playing on thihd perfectly balanced piece.
The whole album is thoughtfully sequenced with the melody at the end setting up “Kerhonkson Stomp” a very pleasing fusion of American sounding picking and electronics. This is an instrumental tour de force with a tricky rythmn and a host of moods. “When Black Shuck Roams” is the warning tale, delivered by James, of the legend of the Fens. The song drips with menace and classic Folk Rock power, again there is some interesting instrumentation and arranging. The Folk Rock vibe continues with the trio’s gentle thoughtful “Boudicca C AD 60”, again the harmonies are a highlight as is the stomping instrumental that closes the track. “Dawns” is a reflective instrumental, ethereal, but still with that gently driving funky pulse that runs through The Trial Of Cato’s music. “I Thought You Were My Friend” has a decidedly contemporary indie edge in its sound, the barbed delivery of the lyric with Polly’s honey edged snarl. From the distant voices ( a pitch shifted sample of Steeleye Span’s 1971 version) that open it, TOC’s take on traditional “Bedlam Boys” oozes and crackles with mystery and danger.
Robin’s voice is lead delivering the surreal verses while Polly and Tomos are eerie sirens in the middle of a hypnotic storm of music. It is a testament that the band find something new in such a well known classic. “Balls To The Wall” is a triumphant tune set that successfully balances Desert Bedouin melodies and some grand piano flourishes from Tomos in real fusion music. With a very period electric piano, searing electric guitar from Tomos and a contemporary vocal from Robin, “As Green As You” is another moody surprise on a consistently rewarding listen full of pleasing surprises.
Marc Higgins
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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.
Corsair 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.