ESSEX FOLK NEWS

Stömp: 'I Claim My Five Pounds' (Osmosys CD034)

A good solid folk rock album from this excellent ceilidh band who manage to cross the divide and make good albums too whilst maintaining that live feeling. The opening track 'Mockfjard' from Sweden, starts gently and traditionally before blasting into full rock folk. The pace continues with 'Polskas', also Swedish, which is not so heavy handed.

Then the first vocal - a tale of sugar and written by a band member - takes inspiration from Norfolk.

'Mister Gifford's Maggot' has a traditional Eastern European feel with a rock steady beat and is followed by a waltz.

This CD certainly has variety. Many tunes are self-penned and all are their own interesting arrangements. Great dance tunes and great tunes to listen to. Another vocal ‘You Are Lobby Lud’ - giving inspiration for the album's title - changes the mood somewhat, but further waltzes and bouncy dance tunes complete the album.

The band has Essex connections - drummer Rob Gifford hails from Wanstead and Andrew King, from Dagenham, also played with the infamous Truss & Bucket Band throughout the 70s & 80s.

EFN June 2006.