The Spectacles - "On Closer Inspection"
The Spectacles, a band that includes members of The Cherry Pickers, are something of a departure from Stone Premonitions' usual style (which tends towards genres like psych, prog, spacerock and experimental), in that they are broadly categorisable as a folk band, though they share the Stone Premonitions collective's tendency towards musical eclecticism, adding much variety to their songs. 4 Hands is a stark and melancholic medieval-inspired choral piece. Happiness and Hope lies somewhere between early country, skiffle and music hall, with ukulele and kazoo adding a slapstick theatre feel. Puffing Billy Wylam Dilly is Appalachian-inspired folk, with washboard used to recreate the sound of a steam train. They do an a capella rendition of the traditional song Sally Gardens, with very nice use of triple vocal harmonies. Liddell's Wood is traditional style folk with lyrics steeped in an appreciation of history and of nature. Whilst the concertina and fiddle-led arrangement falls squarely within the folk genre, the style of bass playing implies an additional jazz influence. The Spectacles' diverse take on folk is worth a listen, the traditional and medieval-influenced pieces being especially in tune with my own tastes.
Reviewed by Kim Harten (Bliss Aquamarine - http://www.blissaquamarine.net)