Pyrates
Album: Uncharted Lands
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.pyrates.co.uk

Sailing from the 'lowland shores of Holland' apparently, Pyrates! are self proclaimed 'able bodied bawdy balladeers armed wi' Guitar, Bass, Drums an' fiddle'.....and as you may well expect with their 'Unchartered Lands' album brings to the fore a collection of sea faring ditties ;some of the most recognisable and much loved folk songs from these fair shores and beyond.....

Pyrates!, adorned in full pirate garb are building a fine reputation for their live performances, predominately in the UK and The Netherlands, and with this recording do their utmost to capture the live energy of such, and though their choice of songs must rank amongst the most standard of standards (think South Australia, Chicken on a raft, The Irish Rover etc) are successful to a reasonable extent, creating an intriguing and entertaining recording.

Tub thumping drums, driving guitar and bass, and boisterous fiddle form the backdrop for David Gallows' dramatic vocals.....vocals that sway heartily in the direction of a Gilbert and Sullivan production!!! pronounced and intense, somewhat operatic even!

The bands blossoming fan base will surely be delighted with this collection, and it will surely act as a reminder of Pyrates! vivacious live shows; but in honesty, like so many kindred acts, it's nigh on impossible for them to recreate that zestful live performance which relies to such a large extent upon the high spirited response of their audience.....

A.J. Tranter