A word-of-mouth success from the folk revival scene, their exciting debut does not disappoint.
Illustration: Alex Merry | Words: Brad Sked
Amidst Britain's latest folk revival we've seen the rise of the likes of Daisy Rickman, Shovel Dance Collective and The New Eves. One new name among these has swiftly and steadily risen up lineups and grown in reputation as word-of-mouth spread. Now, with their first single, Goblin Band have surfaced with their recorded debut.
The wonderfully named sextet share their eagerly anticipated debut, 'The Prickle Holly Bush', released via Broadside Hacks Recordings - a label that's looking to be as fundamental to the forward-thinking folk music landscape, as Speedy Wunderground is to contemporary post-punk.
Despite the ballad being thematically bleak, regarding a poor soul soon to be hung, the London outfit's debut nonetheless feels a joyous rendition of the folk classic. Evoking the warmth of a bustling tavern on a crisp winter's evening, being belly-full of hot stew, smashing back tankards filled with cask ale, all whilst dancing merrily and in arm in arm with kin, Goblin Band's take on 'The Prickle Holly Bush' is magnificently spirited.
There's a magical sense of camaraderie to the first outing, that makes the debut from the six-piece a truly special one. Despite its essential historicism, the future feels written into this growing new brand of folk. With the likes of Goblin Band helping to spearhead this revival, the influence is being felt in developments well beyond British folk as artists explore in depth their own cultural heritage.
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