UCLU Folk and World Music Society
Album: Compilation Album Volume 1
Label: UCLU
Tracks: 12
Website: http://uclu.org/clubs-societies/folk-society

This compilation album is from a slightly more unusual, although very welcome source. The University College London Union clearly embraces diversity and the different interests of the world. It is an honour to have hard working students submit such a compilation to us.

The tracks come from a variety of UCLU musicians and so with a lot of variety and clear inspirations. There is a mix of the slow acoustic style of folk with original compositions but also littered with a good mix of more traditional English Folk and recognisable songs.

Guitars are the instrument of choice on the majority of tracks but that's not to say that amazing talent for fiddles and woodwind instruments don't shine through and give that individual stamp of individuality to a track.

One thing that jumped out at me for many of the tracks was the power behind the vocals. 'Tom Sandles', 'The Kings Shilling' and 'From Here' in particular have extremely distinctive vocals that really sound good to the ear, but I noticed every single set of vocals on the whole album was pure talent.

Everyone who has contributed to this album should be proud of their achievements as there was not a disappointing track on the album. Clearly the UCLU Folk Society is going to have to be watched very closely for gems.

There are some nice modern folk sounding like 'You're The One' that try to be that little more edgy and it completely works. The fresh perspective on the folk style helps to make an enjoyable album. A particular glimmer of diversity comes in the form of 'Las Campanas Lloran'. The foreign words and enchanting voice is simply moving.

The choice of final song 'Coconut Polka' is a great choice as it is a very popular tune and really just cements that final brick in the album and rounds the whole experience off perfectly with something a tad more dancey.

Paul Rawcliffe