Keston Cobblers' Club
Album: One, For Words
Label: Beatnik Geek
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.kestoncobblersclub.com

If the simple charms of the Mumfords' frothy but unfulfilling arena folk have long since worn thin and you've surrendered to the nagging doubts about Noah's embrace of Springsteen-esque stadium rock tub thumping on the Whale's last album, you could well be in the market for a new brand of accessible pop-folkery.

In fact, even if you remain very much in the thrall of the above, if Miss Marling and her fem-folk whimsy is rarely far from your aural menu, if Ethan Johns' recent debut tickles your more Gothic appetites, if Nick Cave's melodious if downbeat recent return has got you all excited, you'll find much to like in One, For Words.

It groans with rootsy, real world graft. Sure, there are loads of acoustic instruments, clean harmonies and pure vocal performances, but listen up and you'll detect hints of brass band, toy instruments, gentle electronics, cymbal crashes and rat-a-tat drums to lift the mood and lighten the load on the lyrics and melodies. Strong as both are, Keston Cobblers' Club clearly recognise the need to fashion a statement, something to set them apart from the pack.

It all comes together to best effect on tracks like The Heights of Lola, Marley and Promenade, which take an absorbing wonky folk pop slant on traditional fare. This is the evidence of something deeper and more interesting going on in the minds of this young band from the Kent/London borders - a Bromley contingent for the 21st century perhaps?

Lead single, You-Go is possibly more obvious, but comes adorned with big hooks and plenty to hold the attention. It's in good company with Pett Level and the twisty-turny beauty of For Words. There's a fractious offbeat to the knowing Ah, Jaunt Soon and the slightly disconcerting closing track, The Handless Man, has been well placed to pique the interest as to what happens next.

It's to be hoped the early support of luminaries such as Bob Harris and Steve Lamacq - as well as a busy festival season in 2013 - will pave the way to glory for these sons and daughters of the sole.

Nick Churchill
www.thegranvillechambers.co.uk