Roy Rieck became a blues/folk singer in the most perfect way. Whilst serving in the military he picked up a harmonica and gave it a little play. Through this he discovered a love for this kind of music and set off for Mississippi in search of his formal folk education. After this Roy headed back to his homeland of Israel and met up with some childhood friends in similar musical boats. These friends became the Medley band and together they made beautiful music for the world to fall for.
Single: Lofty Heights – Eye Contact
Lofty Heights, Greg Griffin to his parents, is about to carve a nice little path out for himself and his debut single, ‘Eye Contact’ is about to set him on his cheery way. The California-born Londoner brings ukeleles, steel guitars, double bass and rickety drums together in a way that instantly tickles a smile.
Album: Noah and the Whale – The First Days of Spring
If Noah and the Whale’s debut album Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down was a summer fling, then their second offering The First Days of Spring is all the heartache and introspection that comes with the demise of your first true love.
Kat Nicolls on finding new music:
A music lovers greatest thrill is always finding a new band to fall in love with, nothing else quite matches that feeling like you’re a kid thats been told juicy gossip. Some people choose to keep this information a secret…
Album: Mumford and Sons – Sigh No More
Wait no more – possibly the album you have all been anticipating more
than any other this year is finally here – hurray! Sigh No More is
the much-hyped debut album from the folk force charging its way in to
ears and hearts all over the country – Mumford and Sons. 12 tracks of
classic Mumford tunes – think your dad’s old folk records meets Welsh
men’s choir for hilly billy hoe down in a pub in Ireland on a rainy
evening. [Breath!]
EP: O’Messy Life – Green Posies Grown Gangrene Below ‘Em
If you’re anything like me then the tag ‘folk music’ conjures up images of farmers, checked shirts and things happening with sheep that really shouldn’t be. However this traditional image of folk is now outdated. O’Messy Life hail from Sunderland of all places. That said, even a Geordie like myself has more sense than to judge a band by its origin – and a good thing too.