I am delighted to be able to post a review of the latest offering from The Magpies. This is their second album and the first since the departure of Polly Bolton and the welcome addition of Kate Griffin. The album displays the growing maturity of the group and a tighter more balanced sound with the trio’s playing complimenting one another other.
The album opens with ‘Now and Then’ a largely upbeat composition by Kate Griffin, which makes clever use of pauses and subtle changes of pace to convey the lyric. The song deftly suggests that difficult events which in occurred the past ‘Then’ no longer have to control the ‘Now’. Griffin asserts that ‘bruised is not broken’ and that she wil not leave the person ‘high and dry’ and will be at their side.
Track 2 is the title track of album. ‘Undertow’ is another thought provoking song composed by Bella Gaffney, whose writing has always has contained an honest realism. The lyric highlights the plight of a woman whose life is constrained by a controlling man. Her description of the man is eerily familar and none the less chilling for that. ‘The use of the imagery of the undertow is an adroit one. ‘Undertow’ is defined as an undercurrent that is moving offshore when waves are approaching the shore – The suggestion is there of a life torn in two directions. My body’s not my own, these bones are not my home’ avers her protangonist.
‘Pass Me By’ is the only track on the album which is credited as a joint composition by all three members of the group and provides us with another allusion to the tides. It is an appealing fusion of English folk and Americana. Here is a reflection of the passage of time and asks the question of us ‘Is it worth taking the time?’
‘Solstice’ is a new set of tunes by violinist Holly Brandon, which seem to draw us on seamlessly on the previous track. Again here is English folk with just that hint of Americana brought by the banjo of Kate Griffin and all held together with Bella Gaffney’s guitar (and apparently her double bass – new departure). My only complaint was that I wanted it last far longer than its 2:37 timing.
Track 5 brings us ‘Fall On My Knees’, a piece of traditional Americana which I believe is the only track that is a hold over from the days of The Magpies’ original line up. Distinctively sung by Bella Gaffney on lead vocals, suggesting that Yorkshire is the true home of such songs. The singer is pleading for his girl to set aside her lies and ‘to come and stand by me’. I fornlorn hope one suspects!
‘If Time Were Money’ is the second composition by Kate Griffin who also takes the lead on the vocals. The songs suggests that the singer would make themselves poor ‘if time were money I’d give it all to you’ for the object of their affection. But this is a song of regret and lost love – ‘forgive me’ repeatedly says the singer. A beautifully poignant ballad.
‘Hares on the Mountain’ (Roud 329) is second traditional song on the album. This time one that has its origins in the England or possibly Ireland. It was popularised in English folk circles by the legendary Shirley Collins and Davey Graham in 1964. Here the Magpies have simplifed the lyric and created something almost hypnotic in texture – it’s magificent.
‘Galileo’ is Bella Gaffney’s second contribution, and also by a smidgin the longest track on the album. As the title suggests the song concerns the famous astronomer and poly math Galileo Galilei who’s championing of Copernican heliocentrism (the Earth rotating daily and revolving around the sun) was met with opposition from within the Catholic Church. Bella sings that he ‘loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night and I hold my head up proudly and I won’t give up the fight.’ This then becomes a call to step out of your comfort zone and hold onto your truth even when you are not understood.
‘Colin’s Set‘ is another collection of tunes by Holly Brandon. These tunes were apparently written during lockdown as ‘a birthday present for one of our favourite people – Colin. A wonderful supporter of live music and always the first to get up and dance.’ (Magpies facebook page). Holly again shows her versatility in both her tune writing and her playing ably supported by Kate and Bella.
‘I Never Will Marry’ A further helping of the traditional, this time from Ireland, arranged by Kate Griffin. The banjo takes the lead and there is steady beat, particularly in the chorus, which propels the song forward. The clever changes in tempo and volume draw you into the song and it’s insistent lyric.
‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’ The album ends on a triumphant note with a stunning re-imagining of the Annie Lennox/Dave Stewart anthem from 1983. This is no mere cover but takes the song and places it firmly in the transatlantic folk tradition. I expect it will become a staple of The Magpies set for some time to come.
All in all an excellent album with something for everyone. Why not get a copy for yourself and see if you agree.
