The Larks
Album: Nightingale
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 4
Website: http://www.thelarks.me.uk/

Deft touch with the handwritten letter accompanying the EP 'Nightingale' and how cool is performing on a 19th century former Dutch cargo ship. The Albatross formerly used as a tea clipper and now moored permanently alongside the quay and now home to restaurant, bar, B&B and live venue in coastal town Wells-next-the-sea where I can recall several fun family holidays at Pinewoods with my young family.

I digress, the letter serving as welcoming introduction to East Anglia based but widely travelled duo of Liz Miller and Chris Wilbraham who apart from the aforementioned show spent much of 2015 touring festivals with a notably last minute slot on the stage of Cambridge Folk Festival, the inaugural Bury Folk Festival (organised by Bury Folk Collective) having earlier in the year narrowly missing out in the Bury song competition (Milkmaid Folk song writing competition). So close the outcome, the Larks readily accepted invitation to appear as finalists at The Milkmaid Folk Club.

Opening song, the traditional 'The Lark In The Morning', holds it's own against such luminaries as The Dubliners or Irish close harmony group The Johnston's leads into their solo original song by The Larks on this EP, 'Nightingale' by the way - CD sleeve beautifully reflects the influence for This song which draws inspiration from tragic tale of The Nightingale and the Rose by of Oscar Wilde.

A mix of contemporary songs too, the first 'Way Over Yonder' appearing in the reworked version by Billy Bragg which appears on either the albums Mermaid Avenue or Mermaid Avenue:The Complete Sessions as (both feature Billy Bragg and Wilco).

Closing with 'Midnight Feast' (from the 1996 album Once In A Blue Moon (Topic) composed by Lal Waterson and performed with her son Oliver Knight) follows the current trend of reversing vocal duties, the male voice taking lead. The challenge admirably handled by Chris before accompaniment from Liz onwards from the first chorus provided refrain and harmonies. No matter being a minute or so shorter than the original, damned sure I'm waiting at end of the street for the bus.

Tony Wilding