Mawkin
Album: Crow
Label: Goodform
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.mawkin.co.uk

England's finest exponents of contemporary folk return with the much anticipated new album 'Crow'.

Mawkin prove once again their adeptness in fusing the ancient and traditional folk style with jazz, rock and prog.

This is an album of extreme quality, and is a natural progression from their much hallowed collaboration with Jon Causley, 'The Awkward Recruit'

The band have adopted a totally organic approach to the album, producing and recording the album utilising the skills and expertise already available amongst themselves, even down to the artwork which was done by Becca Eastland, partner to Mawkin's drummer Lee Richardson.

Two guest musicians are from the folk premier league, and each contribute separately on two standout tracks, with Eliza Carthy delivering exquisite vocals on the haunting and aptly titled track 'Bad Girls Lament'.

Steve Knightly delivers a pounding delivery of his own composition, 'Its All Quiet'.

Jim Causley's cheeky vigour is evident on the track' The Bellringers'

and a further highlight track for me is a delightful version of the Kinks 'Harry Rag' sang in a 'mockney' accent by Mawkin's guitarist David Delarre.

'Crow' will most certainly come to be regarded as a benchmark album in the contemporary folk category, and deservedly so.

Phil Carter