Narthen - Narthen

Narthen are Barry Coope and Lester Simpson (Coope Boyes and Simpson), Jo Freya (Blowzabella, Moirai) and Fi Fraser (PolkaWorks, The Old Fashioned). The album reflects the eclectic and varied nature of Narthen's live performances, where pathos and heartbreak are juxtaposed with uplifting humour to produce something rather memorable and moving.

All four members of Narthen are seasoned and gifted instrumentalists and vocalists, as displayed on this album. Peter Bond's song It Haunts Me Still features Country-influenced a cappella four-part harmony singing, while tracks like Morning Come, Maria Gone and the heart-breaking rendition of Heart Like A Wheel combine vocals with sympathetic instrumental accompaniment. Dotted amongst these songs are purely instrumental tracks, like Galician Tunes, which is a glorious, sun-filled romp through some great Spanish melodies.

The album combines the best of timeless, traditional tracks, such as Acre Of Land, with songs penned by band members (Lester's The VADs and Jo's Devil's Porridge), alongside songs written by the cream of contemporary songwriters - for example, here we have Ray Hearne's Pudding Burner, a celebration of female crane drivers working in an overwhelmingly male environment, being given a calypso feel.