Cracking launch last night!
The album is really good, and it was great to hear Isambarde pushing the boundaries a bit. The first set was the 'straight' Isambarde, with Chris, Em and Jude doing their thing on Guitar/mandocello, fiddle and oboe/other blowy things respectively on some very well-chosen material. Second half was the new venture, with the addition of drums 'n bass. It's difficult to do folk/rock these days without sounding like a tribute act, but Isambarde pulled it off magnificently. The three lead instruments (including electric guitar) produced a tight, complex woven sort of sound quite unlike the Fairport/Steeleye sound of yore. Add some terrific, unusual and well-judged harmonies and some really interesting arrangements (especially the set of 3/2 hornpipes), and it added up to a great evenings entertainment for a mixed crowd of folkies, punks and pub regulars alike. Don't miss their live version of Annan Water; it is spine-tinglingly good.
Sound was by the ubiquitous Graham and Laurence, and was excellent throughout.
If I sound like a fan, guilty; But a lot of other people were too, after last night.
Note to club and festival organisers; book this lot quick, while they are still affordable.
Tim:)