Various Articles
Album: The Naked Songs The Acoustic Arsenal
Label: Factory Fast
Tracks: 7
Website: https://www.facebook.com/factoryfastrecordsNYC

Just when I thought I had heard everything from the folk music industry, The Acoustic Arsenal proves me wrong, as we hear seven finely produced songs from rising folk and jazz artists compiled into album.

Almost like a best of album, The Naked Songs showcases songs from artists such as David Knowles, Simon Taylor and The Sundowners and Leo & Tolstoys. If you are looking for something different from this genre of music then I would recommend this.

Kicking off this compilation is David Knowles, this Scottish based singer track of The Alchemist is simply beautiful. With guitar and violin, the song is intense and emotional, if you need a song to make you feel relaxed, to just have some alone time, then this song will do the trick. It is more of a modern folk song that no matter who you are, you can relate it to it.

From a soft and serene song, the rest of the album goes all out crazy and plays havoc with the sensibilities of what we usually call folk.

It is quite a mixed album of musical adventures; you are defiantly kept on your toes with this one. Perhaps one of my favourite tracks on the album, we are taken on a road of slow jazz and funk. Listening to Crazy by Simon Taylor and The Sundowners, you can picture yourself in a jazz bar, drinking a fine glass of wine and putting your mind at ease. Although some of the lyrics don't always make sense, because you are so at ease, you have no care in the world if the music is crazy or not, simply sweet lunacy.

Taking a trip back to the 80's beatlesque, pop-folk genre is The Sad House's track is Trip to the Coast. It is such a happy go lucky tune, a track that you can whistle along to whilst cycling to the coast. A catchy chorus and melody produced by the guitar and piano, there is a psychedelic feel to this song. It takes you to a Hawaiian beach, simply listening to this laid back song whilst drinking out of a coco nut.

What I enjoy about this album and appreciate about it is that there is something for everyone. And if you are new to folk and jazz, then this is great for those wanting to delve in.

Gemma Hirst