Flaming June
Album: Rumplestiltskin
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 5
Website: http://www.flamingjuneuk.bandcamp.com

It has to be said that Flaming June have released an impressive array of EPs over the last three or so years. In fact their 2011 EP, "Nerves Of Steel", was the Fatea Single/EP/Mini Album of the year, with its hard hitting focus on the subject of domestic abuse.

"Rumplestiltskin" or to give the EP its full title, "Rumpelstiltskin & The Perils and Promises of Womanhood", can only enhance the band's rightly growing reputation. From the opening chords of the title track, the first thing you notice is that the sound is richer on this outing and the impact is truly outstanding. It's something that applies right across the board, the luscious harmonies, the folk rock instrumentation, you can almost feel the atmosphere sparking.

If there is a theme that runs through the album, it's human psychology. The second track "Psycho", another folk rock, gem sort of gives that game away, though with its sing-a-long chorus, it comes across lighter than it actually is.

Even over five tracks, there is a real appreciation of pace, light and shade. Louise Hamilton has a voice that can cut to quick, but it's also one that can seem as comforting as your favourite cuddle blanket, able to wrap its self around you and share the warmth.

Flaming June continue to go from strength to strength. I'll even go as far as saying that had Fotheringay formed post millennium, rather than post the 70s folk revival, they may well have sounded like this. "Rumplestiltskin" has everything you can ask of music, strong songs, a great narrative and top draw instrumentation. If they're playing near you see them, in the meantime discover "Rumplestiltskin"

Neil King