The Fold are keen to push their 'folk-punk' credentials - the Brighton band identify The Levellers as the leading exponents of the scene that spawned them - and it's fair play, in that they deliver what they promise on 'Change Has Got to Come.'
Opener 'Spinning Upside Down' is more overtly folk than punk, and has a psychedelic feel to the vocal and lyrical content, enhanced further by a flute that drifts into the mix and sails around toward the end. Similarly, 'It Would Still be Good Without You' is a skipalong folk-pop number that's tuneful and accesible, if rather unchallenging.
'A Change Has Got to Come' is at its most interesting when they stretch beyond the confines of their chosen genre and incorporate elements of other styles. 'In a Small Way,' for example, shows distinctly proggy leanings, and while prog is generally considered to represent everything that punk sought to smash, in today's po-mo world of hybrids, it's a pleasant blend that's rather effective.
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There's a rampant fiddle played liberally across most of the tracks, and as a whole, the album doesn't stray terribly far from its roots. Consequently, it's a little difficult to take the rebellious, pro-revolutionary ideology behind the genre, the band and the album entirely seriously. After all, how can change be sought through the conformity to an established genre that already changed nothing? I mean really, remember all the crusties? Where are they now? Mostly in office jobs, I expect. So, while The Fold have been out of the studio, the only real change they need to be aware of is that music and much of their fanbase has moved on.
Ok, I'm being difficult, but not entirely without reason. All things considered, though, it isn't a terrible album by any stretch.
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