Album review: HUNGRYTOWN – Circus For Sale

Big Stir Records [Release date 21.06.24]

Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson are Hungrytown, who have released three albums since they formed in 2005. All three have won accolades and Year’s Best Of recognition from within the roots and folk community and beyond. Expectations will be high then for their fourth album ‘Circus For Sale’ (which is based on one of their audience members recalling how they had seen a whole circus for sale on a recent business trip).

Rebecca Hall’s vocals are melodious and at times brings to mind the likes of Joni Mitchell, Karen Carpenter and Sandy Denny. These vocals are a perfect match for the instrumental talents of Ken Anderson, whether it be a nice bit of vibraphone on ‘Trillium and Columbine’ or the crystal clear percussion on ‘Tuesday Sun’.

The whole album has that late 60s/early 70s psychedelic pop meets Laurel Canyon vibe. It really is a gloriously uplifting listen, be it the sublime ‘Little Bird’ or ‘Feel Like Falling’, where the strings of the Aliento Chamber Players add an extra bit of musical magic. Their version of Bert Jansch’s ‘Morning Brings Peace of Mind’ is also worthy of a special mention. The singing and acoustic guitar are things of beauty on the ears.

Jump back into those wonderful sounds of the Laurel Canyon and early 70′s folk music with Huntrytown as your musical guide. ‘Circus For Sale’ is a calming musical oasis, perfect for the current times. ****

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)