The Fallows
Album: Face The Wolves
Label: 4Real
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.thefallowsmusic.co.uk/

The Fallows are a four piece folk/rock band from Coventry. Formed by Ross Darby and Pete Rutherford as a duo, they were joined by Sam Stokes on bass and then Neil Pointon, who is All Britain Fiddle and Mandolin Champion.

"Face the Wolves " is The Fallows' debut album .They have previously released an EP, a song from which was played on tv soap Hollyoaks and which the band described as a "nice little highlight". While recording the EP, they contacted Neil and he agreed to join them to help out with the album which was recorded in the autumn of 2011. The album was launched at the Kasbah in Coventry in March 2012.

The Fallows play well-crafted, original songs with sharp lyrics written from real life. Their music is driving acoustic rock with the added colours of Neil's dexterous fiddle playing.

The album is an enjoyable listen from start to finish. The opener "We Are the Hunted" has something of the feel of Charlie Daniels' "The Devil Went Down to Georgia". "When the Sun Goes Down" is a catchy West Coast-style slice of folk-pop which would appeal to fans of The Coral. "Raining Back Home" cleverly uses percussion to reflect the sound of rain falling.

One of my favourite songs is "Annecy" with its delicate acoustic guitar opening, abrupt changes of tempo and catchy refrain. Final track "It's Not Over", is somewhat reminiscent of David Gray's work.

All in all, this is an excellent album which scores highly in all departments -songwriting, singing and playing. If you like acoustic music with a dash of rock energy, this just might be for you.

Peter Cowley