Stick In The Wheel
Album: From Here
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 14
Website: http://www.stickinthewheel.com

The word Cockney, much like folk music, has evolved over the centuries, originally it was used to describe any city dweller, it then came denote Londoners born within earshot of the church bells of St Mary Le Bow, in the East London district of Cheapside. Later, the word has come to denote anyone from the East End of London and, more recently, Londoners in general.

It is from this world that Stick In The Wheel, a group of long time East End residents led by Nicola Kearey, come and draw inspiration for their music.

Having said that, From Here, Stick In The Wheel's first full length album, couldn't be further from an ersatz, Dick Van Dyke view of London if it tried. This album is a collection of contemporary and traditional songs that shine a light on the grittier side of London life.

The first thing that strikes you on listening to From Here is Nicola Kearey's vocals. She sings in her native London accent, which adds to the song's authenticity as well as giving them an uncompromising edge. Fran Foote's harmonies and the sparse arrangements only add to the slightly combative feel of this album.

The songs on From Here cover a range of subjects. The daily grind of working life in the likes of Ewan MacColl's Champion (at keeping them rolling) and a Barrow boys tale in My Barra. Crime and punishment is dealt with in Jail Song and in the original composition Me n Becky, written from the point of view of a looter joining in the aftermath of the recent London riots. Common Ground and Hasp both deal with the erosion of rights and the loss of Liberty. Songs from the tradition aren't ignored either with a tale of sororicide in Bows Of London, The exploitation of the insane in Bedlam and Seven Gypsies, a version of The Raggle Taggle Gypsies.

If you're looking for bowdlerised songs about jolly scamps and loveable rogues then this isn't the album for you. What you will get, though is a collection songs that comment on the trials of life in London, some of which are just as relevant now as when they were written over a century ago.

From Here continues where Stick In The Wheels previous EPs have left off and a very good album it is too. The production values give this album an authenticity that is sadly lacking in some other releases. If you want over produced, rose tinted songs for recital in the parlour, then I would give From Here a wide berth. If, however, you want songs about real people sung in the way that those people would have performed them then add From Here to your collection as soon as possible.

David Chamberlain