Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin
Album: Mynd
Label: Dragonfly Roots
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.philliphenryandhannahmartin.co.uk

I had the pleasure of seeing one of Phil and Hannahs early gigs and was impressed by the vocal and instrumental dexterity on display then. It was with pleasure then, that I received their new album for review and Mynd certainly does not disappoint on any level.

The opening track Silbury Hill has Hannah taking the main vocal and features some lovely harmony resonator guitar and viola, each sweeping around the other with complete rapport and empathy. The Nailmakers Strike has two parts and stars beat box harmonica which is impressive and strangely sympathetic to the songs subject. Other songs on the album have a diverse breadth of subject matter, containing songs about slavery, Victorian gardeners and an arctic explorers wife amongst others. What is common to all tracks is the simple but beautiful instrumentation combined with an airy feel to the production, this makes Mynd an album you can listen to over and over again. Mynd finishes with 'Close your Eyes' which has become my favourite track of late, again a simple but effective mix of a lovely dobro guitar and close vocal harmony.

They are playing many gigs over coming months and I would say they are a 'must see' duo. A great album that really is worth an extended listen.

Mike Rolland