Album review: KESTON COBBLERS CLUB – Almost Home

[Release date 31.03.17]

An intriguing band name, as the band are named after a penniless cobbler who by playing the violin in the local tavern got everybody dancing, thereby wearing out the soles of his customers who of course needed their shoes cobbled by him. Genius! The music made by this five piece has a very wide appeal, dabbling in folk, pop and at times recalling legends such as Fleetwood Mac. Yes they really are that good.

Two stand outs on the album for me are the epic refrains of ‘Forest Hill’, the music and vocals are mesmerising. This is the song that reminds me a little of Fleetwood Mac in the musical arrangements. ‘Concord’ will appeal to the more traditional folkies out there, the gentle piano and mandolin intro giving way to some truly stunning vocals and melodies. Songs like this make you realise why you love music so much, a wonderful song from start to finish.

They do veer off into many musical directions including electro pop on the intro to ’An Island’ and then a little bit of a dance beat/funky bass on ‘On Your Own’. They keep the traditional folk ideals of a song telling a story as their musical anchor, adding their own musical styling and influences.

The Keston Cobbler’s Club have the tunes to make the big leap into mainstream success enjoyed by the likes of the Lumineers and Mumford & Sons. Folk pop is still growing in popularity and ‘Almost Home’ is a fine example of it, buy it now! ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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