UNICORN

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

Stömp are a nationally known band firmly grounded in ‘English Ceilidh’ style and tradition. Their line up consists of Sheena Masson (flute and concertina mainly) and Kevin Adams (violin and mandolin mainly) providing strong rhythmic and energetic melodies and countermelodies usually with a quite traditional flavour. Their rhythm section is Andrew King (guitars), Martin Appleby (bass guitars) and Rob Gifford (drums and percussion) who provide real drive to all the tracks and some great rock-style backings. You may recognise some of the names from other bands such as Stocai, Gas Mark 5, The Committee Band, Chalktown and Fiddlin’ Around

This is their second CD and features 11 tune sets and 3 songs The tunes are a mixture of traditional, ‘borrowed’ and original (Sheena contributing most of these). One of my favourites is Modus Mats featuring some original flute playing with an unusual but very effective mandolin accompaniment all in a strange, evocative mode. It builds up to a blues style duet of flute and electric guitar! However all the tune sets are very well crafted arid it is rather unfair to just pick out one - what this CD does well is create the excitement of a live performance ... it makes you want to dance!

The CD features two original songs (one about harvesting sugar beet!) and Stömp’s version of the traditional Rebel Soldier. For me the songs were a little out of place on this CD, partly because the standard of the vocals were not up to the same very high standard as the instrumental playing. Nevertheless, as they develop this side of their repertoire, I could see them see them growing into a concert band worth watching out for.

Steve Cavill