Faramusic [Release date 26.08.22]
Fara are from the Orkney’s, where they developed their distinctive sound that blends the three fiddles and vocals of Jeana Leslie, Catriona Price and Kristan Harvey against piano. On this album Fara introduce a new pianist Rory Matheson, who is from the Highlands.
‘Energy Islands’ is a concept piece of sorts as the music and songs on the album highlight Orkney’s role in raising awareness of, and curbing, the climate crisis. The European Marine Energy Centre has been based on the island since 2003 and due to the islands’ advantageous climatic conditions, Orkney has become a key area for the advancement in technologies harnessing green energy through tides, waves and wind.
Twelve songs in total, of which eight are instrumentals. Of the four songs featuring vocals ‘Fair Winds’ stands out mainly as it involves a bit of local history featuring Bessie Miller, a 19th century resident on the Brinkie’s Brae.
She was regarded as a ‘weather witch’ who sold favourable winds to sailors at a sixpence a time. ‘Merry Dancer’ couples the piano of Rory Matheson with vocals to sublime effect. He is a good fit for Fara’s overall sound and an undoubted talented musician, as indeed all the band are.
The moving instrumental ‘The Hampshire’, commenorates HMS Hampshire which sunk after leaving Orkney’s Scapa Flow in 1916 when it hit a mine. All but twelve of the 737 crew perished.
Fara always know their way around a good foot tapper and ‘White Horse Power’ provides that on here.
We really are experiencing a boom of folk and roots music in these past few years (and long may it continue!), with Fara one of the leading lights. They further enchance their reputation with this well thought out and played album. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
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