Album review: TRIALS OF CATO – Gog Magog

Website [Release date 25.11.22]

Trials Of Cato have been building a healthy following alongside rave reviews from the likes of Mark Radcliffe and John Davis of Metropolois Studios, who has dubbed them ‘”the Sex Pistols of folk”. Will Addison left in 2020 with Polly Bolton (ex-the Magpies) on vocals, banjo and bouzouki, joining Robin Jones (vocals, banjo, bouzouki, percussion) and Tomos Williams (guitars, bass, keys, percussion).

The album takes its title from the mythical giant of the same name, with the instrumental title track showing off each of the band member’s musical prowess. ‘Kerhonkson Stomp’ does similar, being a jaunty instrumental led by some fine banjo and piano playing,

The addition of Polly Bolton gives songs like ‘Paper Plane’ and ‘Ring of Roses’ (based on the recent pandemic as opposed to the traditional nursery rhyme) an extra bit of sprakle. Her soothing vocals weave and intertwine nicely with those of Robin Jones.

On their take on the traditional song ‘Bedlam Boys’ they do cite the Steeleye Span version as an influence. Trials Of Cato give it a modern spin with special vocal effects and add their own mark on the song to stunning effect.

Also worthy of special mention is ‘When Black Shuck Roams’. Based on the fabled beast of Norfolk & Suffolk folklore (even the Darkness did a song on their debut album about said beast!), another song where the lead vocals of Robin Jones are backed beautifully by those of Polly Bolton.

Trials Of Cato ensure a strong year of folk music releases ends on a high. A band deserving of the plaudits they receive and there is much on this album to satisfy lovers of progressive bands like Jethro Tull. One of my personal top five folk albums of 2022. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)