Celtic darling Cara Dillon was barely out of her teens when she was invited to replace Kate Rusby in the Warner-backed folk supergroup Equation. Cara didn’t stay long with the group, preferring to breakaway with fellow band member Sam Lakeman whom she married and has recorded with ever since. After three albums on Rough Trade, Cara’s latest album Hill of Thieves was recorded at home, produced by Sam and put out on their own label. It finds the couple returned to their folk roots with simple acoustic versions of traditional songs. Cara talked to FFS about breaking free from major record labels and the challenges of touring while being a mum, but only after she had put the twins to bed.
Album Review: Lau – Arc Light
There must be a huge amount of pressure that comes with being the Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Best Group’ of the year for two years running, especially when the latest award comes months before the release of your second album of original material.
Album Review: Akron/Family – Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free
The new Akron/Family album comes at an important crossroad for the band. Having lost an original member soon after the completion of their last record, question marks arose over whether they could maintain the quality and flair shown on their previous three albums.
Single Review: Eugene McGuinness – Wendy Wonders
This is the third single to be lifted from Liverpool boy wonder Eugene
McGuinness’ self-titled debut album from 2008, and easily the best. For
those who have some catching up to do, it starts off gently enough with some
simple strumming and that distinctive voice, which reminds of Ray Davies or
even John Lennon. The song swells up sweetly like a love-bite before the
surprising conclusion: “I’m a fucked up little sub-zero psycho, I know.”
Drever McCusker & Woomble
Single Review: James Yuill – Over the Hills
James Yuill’s latest single; Over the Hills is a track that stays true to the ‘folktronic’ vibe that he is increasingly becoming recognised for. His use of electronics provides a cushion for his gentle vocals and lyrics such as, “Here is the house where you grew up laughing”, create a quirky nostalgia you can get lost in.