The Willows
Album: Amidst Fiery Skies
Label: Elk
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.thewillowsband.co.uk

Sometimes the standard 2 year cycle of write/record/tour just isn't enough for some bands. Cambridge's The Willows are one such band with second album 'Amidst Fiery Skies' following hot on the heels of their 2013 debut. The crossover appeal that the band possess has seen them play just about every notable folk festival in Britain alongside appearances at Glastonbury and The Secret Garden Party and it's this sense of wide influence that is most obvious on 'Amidst Fiery Skies'.

The record opens with the utterly mesmerising 'Red Sands' which is dramatic and intense from the word go and demands an attentive ear. Roseville Fair follows next and flips the mood on its head with Rusby-esque jollification accentuated by banjo and guitar before a soaring chorus rips skywards. So far, so brilliant! The jarring beat of 'Jonny Robson' will appeal to fans of The Old Dance School and Roberts/Lakeman with a tale of ghostly love.

The Willows are perfectly capable of adapting a traditional tune as well - their haunting rendition of 'The Maid Of Culmore' is as good a version as has been recorded in the last 20 years and presents singer Jade Rhiannon at her absolute finest.

The biggest cross-genre jump that The Willows seem to have made is into the realms of Americana. Indeed one of their biggest and loudest (whispering) champions is Bob Harris who has played the band many times on his Radio2 shows. 'Shores' is Americana through and through while still sounding wonderfully British, it's an upbeat jaunt through the eyes of an Irishman heading for America with his head full of dreams.

With new member Evan Carson providing bodhran and percussion alongside guest spots from ben Nicholls (double bass, Seth Lakeman) and co-producer Sean Lakeman, The Willows have made a logical yet natural progression to an already wonderful sound which should open them up to an even wider audience over the next 12 months.

'Amidst Fiery Skies' is a flawless album of contemporary folk and roots music and should see The Willows heading to the front of the pack with ease.

Rob Fearnley