Following the self-release of their warmly welcomed first EP, ‘The Weight of the Line,’ and a successful UK tour supporting Euros Child, Joyce The Librarian have fed the love, stowed away and created something wonderful. They have presented us with their debut LP, “They May Put Land Between Us,” set for release on November 5th on UK based Indie label, Folkwit Records.
The Bristolian quartet, fronted by the soft whispers of Martin Callingham, has taken the Folk-Pop genre, stripped it bare and rebuilt it gracefully with their own originality. With delightful, well-constructed melodies, layered hymnal vocals and finger plucking goodness, it is the perfect autumnal release.
The album has a day-dreamy and warm feel, echoed in both the lovely illustrated artwork and invitingly charming lyrics.
In the opening track, ‘Traps,’ Martin Callingham’s lullaby vocals immediately draw you in, almost like a trance with such simplicity, the vocals paired with modest percussion and guitar make it an understated, yet confident start to the album.
Their sound is embodied in ‘Follow Me, I’m Right Behind you,’ their first single release but Joyce the librarian are more than just soft, hushed vocals, and raw acoustic guitar. The addition of the organ, trumpet and cello throughout the album, and even a flugelhorn as the pace quickens in ‘Land,’ a bolder, fuller bodied treat, they have managed to add substance to the delicacy.
The album as a whole definitely keeps you intrigued and finely balances between Popular music and Folk, which makes it that more engaging. Wanting a little bit more from each song, its serene and quiet and made to enjoy on a lazy Sunday afternoon but little quirks like ‘Land’ and ‘Maurice Ward,’ keep the listener from drifting off into the land of daydream.
Review by: Ciara Wilson
Gig Dates
25/10/12 – BRISTOL – The Croft (supporting Alessi’s Ark)
01/11/12 – CARDIFF – Ten Feet Tall
02/11/12 – HAY-ON-WYE – The Globe
03/11/12 – SWANSEA – Do Not Go Gentle Festival
04/11/12 – TOTNES – The Barrell House
06/11/12 – BIRMINGHAM – The Victoria
08/11/12 – LONDON – The Betsey Trotwood
09/11/12 – BRISTOL – Folkhouse
They Put Land Between Us is released on Folkwit Records on Nov 5th. Order it here.
photo credit: Rob Vanderplank
