The Moonbeams
Album: Watching Wildlife
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.themoonbeams.co.uk

"Watching Wildlife" is the sophomore release by the Moonbeams, a contemporary folk band based in the Yorkshire Dales. They play original songs of life, love and nature reflecting the culture and landscapes of their upbringing.

It's music from the Dales, predominately about the Dales by a true Dalesman as lead singer and songwriter Jon Avison, now retired, spent his career working for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority where he was the head of Park Management and Deputy Chief Executive.

The remainder of the group comprise of Jen Haines on voila, Ben Avison on mandolin, accordion, guitar and vocal, Luke Yates double bass and Mark Fletcher completes the five piece band on whistles and percussion.

Strangely enough it's a non Dales related song which kicks the album off, "Oxford Town (Summertime In England)" has a welcome Celtic twist reminiscent of early Goats Don't' Shave. "Coming Home" talks of leaving the city life and returning to the land, before we reach the standout track.

"Watching Wildlife" an early Van Morrison inspired reflection owing much in style to "Them's Hey Girl" with its wonderfully laid back flute lines as the song extols all that is good about country life. As a self-imposed exiled Derbyshire lad I can relate to it perfectly.

The remaining tracks on this album fuse into your psyche easily, like wearing your favorite old shoes they are comfortable and relaxing. And if they occasionally sound like a name check for everything animal, vegetable and mineral, of rural Yorkshire then I guess that's because the music is written for those who love or miss the Dales.

I'd be quite happy at a folk club, pint in hand watching the Moonbeams passing the night away.

Add a log fire and I'll be there.

Ian Cripps