The Travelling Band
Album: The Big Defreeze
Label: Sideways Saloon
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.thetravellingband.co.uk/home/

The Travelling Band is described as an alternative folk band from Manchester. I am not really sure what that means, alternative that is, not Manchester. If it means their music is nothing like a folk band then I would agree with it. I am actually struggling to pigeon hole them at all which is a very good thing, at least to my mind.

The Big Defreeze is their third album since the band formed in 2006 and having just listened to clips of the others, this is the best by a long way. Tight harmonies, excellent musicianship and some imaginative lyrics all make for a superb album. The band members are Adam Gorman (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Hammond Organ/Keys, Banjo, and Harmonica), Jo Dudderidge (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Hammond Organ/Keys, Mandolin, and Electric Guitar), Steve Mullen (Lead Guitar, Vocals), Chris Spencer (Bass), Nick Vaal (Drums, Percussion).

The music on this album can best be described as eclectic. Some of it even has a 70's feel to it especially the track "25 hours." The vocals on 78.8% (no idea what the title refers to) sound somewhat similar to Chris Simpson of Magna Carta fame. "Making eyes" has touches of The Beatles in it. "Pinholes" uses a lovely simple guitar as its primary backing which is carried throughout the track. The final track "Hands Up" is I am sure the encore song for their concerts. How could you not put your hands up and wave to this track? Hopefully unlike "Angels" there will not be the need for loads of cigarettes lighters and candles to be waved around.

I have now listened to this album about five times over the last few days and cannot pick out a favourite track. I like them all. I have also totally failed to decide who to recommend this album to as I am unable to describe fully the genre of music. It is just so varied and very well produced.

If I had to suggest a track for a new listener to try, I would probably go for the opening track "Passing Ships" which possibly shows the range of music on offer.

So in summary, excellent harmonies, nice guitar work, great melodies and a very happy feel to it all. I think I even detected a Cello in one track but that might have been an organ. A very nice album by a band that has a great deal to offer to lovers of melodic music

Rory Stanbridge