The Fallows
Album: Liars & Kings
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: http://wwwthefallowsmusic.co.uk

Originally formed in 2010 as a duo comprising guitarists Ross Darby and Pete Rutherford before expanding to become a quartet (adding Sam Stokes and Neal Pointon on bass and fiddle respectively) and more recently into a five piece with drummer Ciaran Corkerry being the final part of the jigsaw, The Fallows are what might loosely be termed an acoustic based indie alt-folk outfit from Coventry.

Following on from 2012's debut album 'Face The Wolves' which gave them a clear identity of raw and unpolished yet vibrant sound and with numerous festival appearances behind them comes the new album in 'Liars & Kings. Their sound broadly encompasses catchy and memorable melodies with a rustic element of attitude all the while including plenty of references to skiffle and folk which combine to produce a stirring blast.

Opening with the title track, described as a song "which was always going to open the album it sets the direction that we wanted to go in" with its frantic fiddling from All Britain fiddle/mandolin Champion and 2012 BBC Young Folk Award finalist Neal Pointon, it's a positively foot stomping start to the record which takes no prisoners, sets the tone for what's about to come and leads into an album which showcases their full repertoire.

The sound of the first album is still evident in songs like 'I'll Let You Know' with its distinctive strummed guitar, shuffling drums , persistent chorus and infectious fiddle. 'Broken Glass', which after an initial preamble, kicks into a buoyant and full on breakneck tune which talks of "going back to simpler times" with a couple of fiddle breaks between the verses . Just as exuberant is 'Washed Out' - a tongue in cheek song inspired by damp British Summers and the trials and tribulations of playing at festivals.

The more gentle ballad 'Kerry Girl' and the single 'Run Like A Dog', which have been getting some promising reactions from radio play, have a sound which might be found in the mainstream appeal of the Mumfords but that's not necessarily a bad thing - an understandable way of tapping into a ready-made marketplace. The single features alternative vocalist Pete Rutherford stepping up on some rather philosophical lyrics about, as they say "letting things go - life is too short and sometimes it's best to move".

For something which is a bit of a departure from the general sound of the album, 'Red' has a certain dramatic French Mediterranean feel, even lapsing into a bit of French dialogue, whilst 'Cast The First Stone' has its roots both musically and lyrically in the Celtic tradition. Closing with the clarion call of 'Stamping Their Feet' - about "the idea of dreaming big; one day people can follow he idea that you can better yourself and your situation" - is a perfect way to end the record and just about sums up what The Fallows have done with their second album.

Having had 'Liars & Kings' on heavy rotation recently, it's become clear that the initial enthusiasm and buzz it created is still there in shedloads and in the hope that some live dates in the new year will see the band out and about playing live and garnering some support it's fingers crossed that they pick up some momentum.

Michael Ainscoe