REVIEW: The Mariner's Children - Sycamore EP

The Sycamore EP presents some challenges to the blogger's tendency to categorize music.  I suppose alternative folk or folk rock come close, but neither truly captures the scope or spirit of the UK's The Mariner's Children.  The record's centerpiece, "In My Bed" features a blusey lead vocals with Arcade Fire-like choruses, making good use of the talents of a large compliment of players.



And if you prefer, here is the video for "In My Bed" --

And while "In My Bed" is likely to attract the most attention, the other three tracks offer rich musical textures and sophisticated vocals.  Together, they convey tension and intensity.  Here is a live version of the second track, "Wolves Within the Wood" --

Sycamore EP is released by Broken Sound Music.  Even if you usually don't venture to the folk side of the pop scale, this one is worth a chance.

The Mariner's Children are Ben Rubinstein (vocals/guitar/banjo), Daniel Matthews (guitar/banjo/mandolin/accordion), Becca Mears (cello), Emma Kraemer (violin), Marcus Hamblett (bass), Emma Gatrill (vocals/glockenspiel), and Felix Weldon (drums).  A full length album is planned for later this year.

The band's current tour dates are as follows:

03.03.2013 - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth (supporting Willy Mason)
04.03.2013 - Phoenix, Exeter (supporting Willy Mason)
05.03.2013 - Glee Club, Cardiff (supporting Willy Mason)
07.03.2013 - Koko, London (supporting Willy Mason)
08.03.2013 - The Wardrobe, Leeds (supporting Willy Mason)
09.03.2013 - Gateshead Old Town Hall, Newcastle (supporting Willy Mason)
10.03.2013 - Oran Mor, Glasgow (supporting Willy Mason)
12.03.2013 - The Kazimier, Liverpool (supporting Willy Mason)
13.03.2013 - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham (supporting Willy Mason)
14.03.2013 - Whelans, Dublin (supporting Willy Mason)
15.03.2013 - Limelight, Belfast (supporting Willy Mason)
18.03.2013 - The Lexington, London (Sycamore EP launch with special guests)

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