Two years on from her John Parish produced debut, Krulle Bol, Kate Stables, aka This is the Kit follows up with a second instalment of effectively simple and beguiling folk music. From the subtle incidentals of and magnificent depth of 'Sometimes the Sea' to the sparse melodies of 'Easy Pickings' and 'White Ash Cut', there's an impressive range that manages, on occasions, to push the parameters of the simple folk ditty in unusual directions, and to good effect.
There's a change of texture and tempo on 'See Here', on which Kate's vocals drift through a rising tide of brass and electric guitar with just a hint of tube crunch. It's testament to her ability as both a songwriter and a singer that she makes it all sound so effortless, so natural, and so coherent as an album.
|
The delicate, sparse nature of the compositions and Kate's light-as-air vocal delivery should by no means be mistaken for a lack of substance, as this charming, beguiling set presents some highly idiosyncratic images and ideas, and a unique take on the world. A truly magical album.
This is the Kit website
|
