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The Madding Crowd: addictionary
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The Madding Crowd: addictionary (4 Track EP)
Devon based The Madding Crowd should be appearing alongside luminaries such
as Fairport Convention, Kate Rusby et al.
Such is their undeniable credibility, and an appearance at the annual Cropredy
Convention would raise their profile significantly. They’ve been together
almost a decade now, so it’s time they raised their profile.
This formidable 21 century folk-combo comprising principle songwriters of
husband and wife Hannah Power (lead vox) and Phil Power (rhythm guitar vocal
harmony), Phil’s brother Anthony Power (bass), and Graham Crocker(acoustic
guitar/ slide guitar/ harmony vox), they have released a delightful 4 track
EP – ‘addictionary’.
There’s also back-up musicians James Crocker (drums/mastering), and violinist
Sam Cooper.
This collection is simply divine at every level, despite some ‘difficult’
issues being addressed. Songwriting shows great strength and depth, mostly
personal observations, all enveloped in the sweetest melodies you’re bound
to hear anyway these days.
Songs range from the painful observation of an alcoholic friend who was
hankering after an unsuitable fella – Mary’s Lover. The music is surprisingly
bright and breezy considering the despair involved, though there is a
melancholic edge with violin sweeping throughout the track.
From The Sun, is Hannah’s battle with her smoking addiction, as she
‘faces the darkness’. Her vocals shine through as she conveys her efforts,
accompanied by the finger-picking prowess of Graham Crocker and vocal backups.
Relationship breakdowns are cannon fodder for musicians to explore. TMC
tackle the perennial problem of ‘ lack of communication’ on Turn To Me
with great empathy and soul-searching, again with Hannah’s impassioned singing
resonating throughout, textured beautifully by Graham Crocker’s slide guitar.
These Words is a song about the power of words – all handled with
great care, as they try to get the message over, to who ever, as there’s
no specific reference.
The Madding Crowd has supported Al Stewart, Martyn Carthy, Kathryn Tickell,
Colin Blunstone, Julie Felix, Roy Harper, Roy Wood.
Tracks:
- 1. Mary’s Lover
- 2. From The Sun
- 3. Turn To Me
- 4. These Words
Weblink:
myspace.com/themaddingcrowdgathering
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Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.