Album review: THE MAGPIES – Undertow

The MAGPIES - Undertow

Bandcamp [Release date 14.10.22]

Second album from  the Yorkshire-based trio the Magpies who consist of Bella Gaffney, Holly Brandon and Kate Griffin. They have only been performing since 2018, and bearing in mind the covid pandemic halt on live music for over a year in 2020, have appeared at the Cambridge Folk Festival, Glastonbury, Wickham festival and their own Magpies Festival, which is held each year in York.

Despite their soothing vocals a song like the title track pulls no punches highlighting drug addiction and the exploitation of women. ‘Fall On My Knees’ sees the band traverse the Atlantic for their take on a traditional Appalachian song. Back in England they do a lovely take on the traditional tune ‘Hares On The Mountains’. Interesting lyric which looks at how men would react if young ‘maidens’ were transformed into creatures like ducks, blackbirds or hares.

On this one and the instant-on-the-ears ‘Pass Me By’, they remind me of the much missed, fellow Yorkshire based Waking The Witch.

‘Colin’s Set’ allows each member of the Magpies to show their musical talent as fiddle, guitar and banjo weave a musical treat for the listener.

Ending the album is a cover of the classic Eurythmics song ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)’.  It really works a treat, with the vocal arrangements simply stunning. The added backing of hand percussion adds even more magic, along with the fiddle and banjo.

Folk and roots music has been producing some excellent music these past few years and the Magpies continues this trend with this album of musical beauty. Remember the name as the Magpies are on an ever upwards trajectory to be one of folk music’s most successful and revered acts. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie




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