There was another radio feature about this group a week or two ago. I think it was Radio 2, but I'm not sure. They played "Let the Lower Lights be Burning" and asked listeners to say what they thought of it. There was no apparent sniggering by the presenters, and they said, by way of introduction, that the South-West was producing some interesting new folk performers, mentioning Jackie Oates and Seth Lakeman, among others.

What impressed me was that it wasn't a dedicated "Folk" programme - this item was just thrown into the general mix as an interesting track. No one mentioned fingers-in-ears, tankards, Aran sweaters or beards. I find it encouraging to hear folk(ish) music presented in a non-specialist context, with no apologies or excuses. As it happens, I don't think this group are any better (or worse) than many other shanty groups I've heard, but good luck to them.

Maqrje