Ninebarrow
Album: Whilst The Blackthorn Burns
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.ninebarrow.co.uk

One of the quirks of history is that by its nature it throws up influences and comparisons, a legacy held over by a previous generation to hold the next one prisoner. I can never know what it must have been like to encounter Simon & Garfunkle for the first time, I can only look back and know what I felt when I encountered for the first time. Similarly I can look back and know what a thrill it was hearing Ninebarrow, Jon Whitley and Jay Labouchardiere, for the first time, when someone pressed a copy of their debut EP, "Kingdom" into my hands.

Almost inevitably I must reference the former duo as part of my review of the latter, with both being folk artists relying on great songs and fantastic harmonies, the important thing is what makes them different. Whilst my mind instantly through up comparison with Paul and Art, for me the important piece was the contrast between the tight production and precision of one and the naturalistic, yes organic, feel of the other, one that not only placed them body and spirit into their music, but also into the landscape that gave them their name.

Their debut album, "While The Blackthorn Burns" further emphasises the relationship between Ninebarrow and their songs regardless of whether those songs are self penned or come from the rich tradition that is folk music. The album also rounds the sound out more than "Kingdom" with other local musicians making subtle contributions.

The result is an album that has a sense of being, one with a real identity and more importantly one that has delivered on the promises made by, not only "Kingdom", but also the numerous live dates that Ninebarrow have performed. Similarly, whilst the album feels of a time and place, that enhances its universal appeal because it does have that something that everyone is looking form, that touch that makes it feel crafted rather than factory produced.

"While The Blackthorn Burns" is an exceptional album, it's full of character. It's an album that reflects how life often is, highs and lows providing their own inspirations and whilst it does reach back, it defines its self of the here and now and is totally wonderful for it.

Neil King