Willowen
EP: Monster
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 4
Website: https://www.facebook.com/willowenuk

One of the things I really like about running Fatea is that I get to hear music literally from all around the world. The internet has redefined local and yet there is still that special thrill when the album/ep that comes through your door comes off your own stomping ground, which is the case with "Monster EP" the latest release from Willowen.

Having impressed on the local live and festival scene, the folk-pop trio, George Fullterton, Jasmine Watkiss and the man with many names, Jonny Newton Jagger Phillips are stretching their wings, both by gigging further afield and hopefully by picking up more recognition with their recordings.

"Monster EP" is one of those all too rare things these days, an EP that has an almost spiritual uplifting quality to the sound. It's reassuring to hear a band that's not afraid to put a little froth around the song because they are totally confident in the strength that underpins it and then there's the harmonies, perfectly matched voices but not to the point of being over polished, there's more than enough space for the personalities behind the voices to come through.

Yes the track from which the title derives has got a tongue sticking in the side of the cheek, "There's A Monster Living In My Paddling Pool", but you know what, I don't care, it's good old fashioned fun and with some great fiddle thrown in for good measure. Willowen are definitely worth checking out and taking up some of your listening time.

Neil King