Femmes Fatales Of Folk
Album: Femmes Fatales
Label: Folkstock
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.folkstockartsfoundation.com

The meaning of Femme Fatale is a mysterious and seductive woman who uses her charms to seduce, so the title of this CD is well chosen. This is mysterious and seductive folk music offered to us by a charm of talented women. There is not a poor track on this album, and the stand-out song is 'The Path He Chose', delivered beautifully by the strong voice of Marina Florance. This anti-war song from a mother's perspective has the ingredients of a classic. There are other gentler deliveries which beguile equally well, such as the tender immediacy of Minnie Birch's 'Wise Words', and the clear bell-like tones of Daria Kulesh with her delightful 'Fake Wonderland'. Kaity Rae adds an attractively husky dimension to the diversity of vocals, with her refreshing emotional directness in 'It Is'.

Many of the tracks are laced with acoustic guitar, and competently played, but Kelly Oliver's 'The Witch of Walkern', has an insistent upbeat backing as she passionately relates a tale of triumph over medieval witch-hunting. Kelly also treats us to a timely and moving homage to Scotland with Dougie MacLean's well loved 'Caledonia'.

There is a spirited performance from Fay Brotherhood on 'Blue Spiral Screams' which makes me want to hear more of that feisty voice. Zoe Wren's '45 Fever' is an interesting escape fantasy song invoking the wild west, really well sung, and one of the best tracks. There is a love song here too, 'Second Chance' is graced by Helen Chinn's poignant singing . 'Here's Tom with the Weather' gave Roxanne de Bastion the chance for her voice to shine.

This is an album to lay on the sofa and dream to, a pleasing collection from an array of voices and moods. Well done Folkstock for giving us the opportunity to hear these up and coming femmes fatales of folk.

Kath Reade