Apple Of My Eye
Album: Seven Tides
Label: Pear Of Legs
Tracks: 15
Website: http://www.applesinlondon.com

Originally from Bristol, though now predominantly based in London, Apple Of My Eye are a six piece folk band that draw on multi-part vocal harmonies and a number of traditional English styles including some contemporary takes on the shanty tradition.

The core six piece, Phil Cornwell, Arran Glass, Kit Massey, Alex Scott , together with Chris and Dan Rusbridge are joined by another Rusbridge, Ellie, for their latest album, "Seven Tides", and she provides a nice counterpoint in the harmonies.

The band describe their songs as brand new old songs and it's a very fitting description as stylistically they do draw on the traditional sounds of the West Country. That means that across the album, there is plenty of space for different moods and it creates a set that is rich in both shade and pace.

There are a number of songs that emphasise that music was as much about fun and whilst it is the darker songs that seem to have more longevity, lighter more humorous songs were and are a core constituency of folk, "Jean-Michel" is a good example of that and provides a contrast to darker songs such as "Murmuration" and "Trenches".

"Seven Tides" has got a very live feel, you can almost feel the band taking a sip of a pint between songs whilst an audience member retakes their seat. It's not live, but it does make me think that this album is not only a great listen, but that Apple Of My Eye are well worthy seeking out live should the be playing nearby.

This is one of those bands you can't help but wish more power to their elbows and hopefully this will prove to be a break through release, given a fair wind and some clever tacks.

Neil King