Keston Cobblers' Club
Album: A Scene Of Plenty (EP)
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 5
Website: http://www.kestoncobblersclub.com

When Steve Lamacq declared "Where did this band come from? One of the best new discoveries I've made" he was merely echoing the sentiments of literally hundreds of people before him and the answer to his question is Keston, the clue's in the name. And to answer his next question, by working hard, writing great songs and playing gig after gig.

The great news is that with a new EP, "A Scene Of Plenty", out, there's plenty of opportunity for you to understand why Keston Cobblers' Club became the darlings of internet radio, online magazines and blogs before being noticed by the more mainstream. Predominantly it's down to the way they have managed to get the absolute balance on quirky. Listen to "The Children With Socks On Their Head" and you begin to understand what I mean, the song sits on the left field but doesn't disappear in flights of fancy.

The sound is fresh and innovative, rooted in the English Folk Tradition, but also mindful of the other influences that have impacted music over the last fifty years, particularly in the greater London area, a great melting point of cultural innovations, so you can hear the likes of kletzmer and gypsy jazz on their sound.

They are also a band with a huge sense of fun, check out the bluegrass, mountain music influenced, "We Will Heel Your Soles" a tongue in cheek and self-deprecating dig at their own name. There is also some glorious horn on the track, as, to be honest, there is throughout the EP.

As Steve Lamacq and Whispering Bob Harris already know, Keston Cobblers' Club are a band well worth discovering and "A Scene Of Plenty" is definitely a starter kit of the finest order.

Neil King