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Strawbs: The Ferryman's Curse
ByCousins' authoritative vocal delivery is armed with a touch of medieval sentiment, akin to a sage who proselytizes about religion ("The Nails From The Hands of Christ," "The Ten Commandments") and love. In addition, Bainbridge's occasional synth-generated choir choruses add a hallowed vibe, alongside his keys-based orchestral treatments. On "The Song of Infinite Sadness," Cousins' and/or Dave Lambert's lovely acoustic guitar notes and Bainbridge's harmonious piano phrasings launch an upbeat ballad that fosters a sense of intimacy, complemented by Cousins' hush-toned vocals. Yet Lambert raises the pitch with resonating and tuneful extended notes, performed on electric. Here, the musicians execute a wistful dreamscape via hearty proclamations and drummer Tony Fernandez's relaxed pulse.
"The Familiarity of Old Lovers" includes Lambert's sustain-driven notes and melodic motifs. He trades fours with either Cousins or Bainbridge, leading to lush voicings and power-packed crescendos. And the ensemble continues its kaleidoscopic presentation with catchy, straight-four rock grooves and regal keys atop a pumping pulse and rollicking storyline on the closing "We Have the Power."
Indeed, this album looms as a wonderful testimonial to the group's 50th year in the business. Hence, the Strawbs coalesces glimpses of its past with a modern boost that yields an enchanting soundscape, contrasted with thrusting opuses and iridescent tonalities.
Track Listing
In The Beginning; The Nails From The Hands of Christ; The Song of Infinite Sadness; The Familiarity of Old Lovers; When the Spirit Moves; The Ten Commandments; The Reckoning; The Ferryman's Curse; BAts and Swallows; We Have the Power.
Personnel
David Cousins: vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, electric dulcimer, autoharp; Dave Lambert: vocals, bass, 12 string guitars; Tony Fernandez: drums and percussion; Dave Bainbridge: keyboards, electric & acoustic guitars, Hammond organ, bouzouki.
Album information
Title: The Ferryman's Curse | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Cherry Red Records