Narthen - Narthen (2018)

Narthen are Barry Coope and Lester Simpson (Coope Boyes and Simpson), Jo Freya (Blowzabella, Moirai) and Fi Fraser (PolkaWorks, The Old Fashioned). The album reflects the eclectic and varied nature of Narthen's live performances, where pathos and heartbreak are juxtaposed with uplifting humour to produce something rather memorable and moving.

All four members of Narthen are seasoned and gifted instrumentalists and vocalists, as displayed on this album. Peter Bond's song "It Haunts Me Still" features Country-influenced a cappella four-part harmony singing, while tracks like "Morning Come, Maria Gone" and the heart-breaking rendition of "Heart Like A Wheel" combine vocals with sympathetic instrumental accompaniment. Dotted amongst these songs are purely instrumental tracks, like "Galician Tunes", which is a glorious, sun-filled romp through some great Spanish melodies.

The album combines the best of timeless, traditional tracks, such as "Acre Of Land", with songs penned by band members (Lester's "The VADs" and Jo's "Devil's Porridge"), alongside songs written by the cream of contemporary songwriters - for example, here we have Ray Hearne's "Pudding Burner", a celebration of female crane drivers working in an overwhelmingly male environment, being given a calypso feel.

Tracklist:
01. Narthen - Henry My Son
02. Narthen - The Rifles
03. Narthen - Galician Tunes
04. Narthen - It Haunts Me Still
05. Narthen - Morning Come, Maria Gone
06. Narthen - The VADs
07. Narthen - Pudding Burner
08. Narthen - Once in a While
09. Narthen - Gungar – Norsk Schottis
10. Narthen - Heart Like a Wheel
11. Narthen - Devil's Porridge
12. Narthen - Acre of Land
13. Narthen - Next Person Through My Door
14. Narthen - Cold Blow These Winter Winds