Endearing delicate UK folk private press that mirrors the charm of other obscure homegrown British male/female outfits like Carpenter’s Apprentice, Sanctus, Presence, Exordium, Bridges and Reality Folk. Most of the album (eleven of the thirteen songs) features the five-person group Marturoumen, which is Greek for “we bear witness”. Other participants include the six-person Spark Of Faith (two songs), a guy named Derek (who joins Marturoumen for one song) and Hanna & Joan (who join Marturoumen for three songs). Typically fragile male vocals in the lead (except for the Hanna & Joan tracks), backed by gentle male/female harmonies. Mostly original songs with precious artful melodies, highlights being ‘A Desire’, ‘Be Grateful’, ‘He Needs You’, ‘Slipping’, ‘One Day At A Time’ and ‘The Seeker’. Also a traditional folk number (‘Shadrach, Meshach And Abednego’) and a sincere cover of ‘Through It All’. Quality acoustic guitar work, with periodic soloing that adds to the music’s edge. The only other instruments I detect besides the acoustic guitars are bass, flute and tambourine. The simple austere low-budget format actually enhances the album’s appeal. Primitive orange cover with b&w photo of trees, above which the album title is spelled out in simple block letters. Would have been a perfect candidate for the Profile label. (Ken Scott - Archivist)
Taken from a cassette
Bit Rate: 320
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