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Steve
Artist: THE RATTLERS
Title: Pleasures in Misadventure
Label: Pagan Records
Cat No: PMR CD 10
Style: Celtic / Folk / Rock
This album was actually released in 1995, but I only discovered it
recently after hearing it at a friends house. I had never heard of the
Band before, however after hearing the first two tracks on the album I
was hooked. 'Pleasures' has a lively and infectious feel, each song
having a carefree energy as if the session was just thrown together, but
that is belied by the craftsmanship of the performance and careful
attention to detail. The Rattlers comprise of Vocalist, Acoustic
Guitarist and main Songwriter Alan Woolley. On Electric Guitars and
Mandolin is John Adams, who also shares in the Songwriting duties.
Sarah Mathews plays Fiddle, while the back bone of the band is provided
by Paul Grainger on Bass and Boz on Drums and Percussion. The sound is
crisp and clear, the songs are up tempo Celtic themed rock with an
emphasis on melody and each member of this band fits into place like a
well oiled machine.
The opening track 'Born to Grow Old.' speaks of the plight of the
working class whilst never becoming dreary always uptempo, indicating
that there is always hope! 'Peddlar of York' funks like no Folk Rock
band has done before, it has a darker theme about the perils of Drugs,
but the groove combined with an English traditional melody and a hook
that is oh so catchy this is a classic piece of musical fusion. Each
track on this album is a real gem, it is difficult to pick out
highlights, however if I mentioned them all we'll be here all night.
The songs that stand out to me at the moment are the intensely powerful
'Justice and the Law' this one has a really brilliant fiddle break
wrapped around by classic English Folk Rock (Steeleye Span comes
instantly to mind). 'Frog n Swan' and 'Two for the Road' are joyous
drinking songs, that easily surpass the songs chosen by Fairport
convention from this genre. On a quieter note there is the sentimental
acoustic ballad 'Roll Away the Blues' and the whimsical and ironic 'Pawn
in a Blind Man's Game'.
Comparissons are difficult as The Rattlers have drawn from many styles
and traditions and have carved themselves the own unique niche in the
Celtic/Folk Rock genre. There are elements of Classic Folk Rock artists
such as Steeleye, Fairport, Richard Thompson, though the modern
influences that range from Wolfstone, Edward II, The Levellers all play
their part in The Rattlers distinct sound. I suggest that if this
review has piqued your interest then you can check them out on the
Cerberus Digital Jukebox which can be found at www.cdj.co.uk - search
by artist for THE RATTLERS.
To conclude I must say this is the finest debut album I have heard in a
long time, it may be the finest ever, only time will tell. This disc is
in my CD player nearly everyday and it just continues to grow on me, I
can only say I LIKE THIS LOADS!
For further info contact:
Pagan Records
Ceridwyn House, Percival Lane, Runcorn, WA7 4UX, England.
Ph: +44 (0)1928 770909 Fx: +44 (0)1928 770910
Email: ratt...@pagmedia.demon.co.uk
--
Steve