If you’ve not yet discovered Kerfuffle this is the place to start – it’s the best album of the year. And (something of a minor miracle!) the only album that all 4 members of my family love. We’ve played it tirelessly since June and it still sounds as fresh as on the first hearing.
The tunes and songs have been carefully arranged allowing the band to demonstrate their impressive musical talents. Every track on this album earns its place – so I cannot single out a favourite. But here are a few highlights.
Katie Shaw opens with Hannah James’ pure vocals singing of a lass who runs away to Derbyshire and works as a collier disguised as a lad. Of course she gets found out, but you’ll have to listen and find out how it ends.
Dr Letcher’s Favourite, a couple of Playford tunes, has Sam Sweeney’s fiddle and Hannah James’ accordion joined by the pipes of the Dr Letcher making a very satisfying set of tunes.
Down by the Greenwood Side, is a haunting tale of maternal desperation resulting in infanticide. This song is given a fresh arrangement with a driving rhythm (Tom Sweeney’s bass and Jamie Roberts’ guitar) which beguiles the listener.
The group have a great ear for harmonies most amply demonstrated on Arise Arise which is sung a capella. The superb harmonies are also to the fore on The Rogue’s March.
This is the fourth album by Kerfuffle - barely out of their teens and already one of the most exciting bands around. So go on – treat yourself - buy this CD!