THE MEMORY BAND - APRON STRINGS
(PEACEFROG RECORDS)
The Memory Band began life at the turn of the century, the progeny of Badly Drawn Boy bassist-Stephen Cracknell, his computer and a lot of imagination. He conceived a band influenced equally by Penguin Cafe Orchestra and Dr Dre - percussion, drive and a contemporary twist to folk.
The group's second album, "Apron Strings" is a subtle blend of acoustic folk and homespun electronics. Traditional violin arrangements sit beside modern computer drum loops. The album opens with a traditional instrumental song, before moving into 'Come Write Me Down' , a traditional tune re-worked with different lyrics.
The best tracks are those with Nancy Wallace on vocal duty. Her voice on 'Green Grows the Laurel', the Irish folk gem, sits perfectly with the gentle violin and steady beat. Elsewhere she reworks Carly Simon's 'Why' to give bring it more up to date. The cenre-peice of the album is the stadium-folk-rock track, 'I Wish I Wish', a euphoric U2 moment with violas and 12 string guitars.
If folk is your cup of organic tea, then The Memory Band are the perfect accompaniment to a turf fire and rocking chair.
DOWNLOAD : 'Why', 'Terrified'
FOR FANS OF : Alasdair Roberts, Iron & Wine,
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