Oysterband
Album: Diamonds On The Water
Label: Navigator
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.oysterband.co.uk/

Oysterband how now deeply established itself as one of staples in the British Folk diet and proudly present a new studio album in the form of 'Diamonds on the Water'. These five fine gentlemen have been in the business long enough now to know the kinds of things that work and the kinds of things that don't, so a new release is always exciting.

I think one of the biggest things I picked up on this album is how rock/indie it sounds. It shows that putting all the kinds of folk ingredients like fiddle, guitar and melodeon can come out with a surprising meal.

Most of the music on this album is a good bridge into the folk world for those who haven't quite made the plunge yet. It is familiar enough to not alienate people, but close enough to the folk world to provide a good door.

We do get many good stories in the album, nicely mixed into catchy tunes. 'Spirit of Dust' in particular takes the listener on a full journey, making you feel involved throughout. It is interesting to listen to acts like Oysterband who are quite varied compared to other folk acts in the same tier.

When you listen to the title track, 'Diamonds on the Water' and 'The Wilderness' you can really hear the folk influences coming through. It is at this point that you can pick up on the particular sound that is Oysterband.

There are many folkies out there that are against mixing folk with more rock styles, and I think they should listen to Oysterband, particularly 'Palace of Memory' as this track really hits the balance between the genres just right. They are the bread and butter.

Paul Rawcliffe