Kerfuffle referred to their last album, Links, as their most ambitious to date. It was clear from listening to Links and their debut album that they were a rapidly developing English Folk Band that had a huge potential to rise to the top of the English Folk Scene. Kerfuffle's latest offering, "To the Ground", leaves no doubt in my mind that they have achieved this. They have managed to carve out their own niche which is very much their own. There is no mistaking their sound, whether it's Hannah James' wonderful voice or Sam, Tom, Jamie and Hannah working their multi-talented intrumental magic or harmonies together. They have mastered a partnership that works incredibly well.

They bring a new dynamic to English Folk, one that will appeal to a wider audience and introduce English Folk to those that may never have ventured in that direction. This is English Folk with a great punchy sound. There are a few bands venturing in this direction to experiment and to introduce a contemporary edge to their sound yet still remaining firmly in the Traditional arena. It's great to see Kerfuffle developing their sound this way as it really works well. Can they get any better? I daren't say no as they continue to surprise me. But as an album, this is the best English Folk album I have heard this year, it is incredibly professional and it will take some beating.

The album features twelve tracks:

• Katie Shaw
• Dr. Letcher's Favourite
• Down by the Greenwood Side
• Rondo
• Arise Arise
• Castleton Carol
• Betty Corrigall's Lament
• The Trip
• The Snows They Melt the Soonest
• Two Sisters
• Bonaparte's Retreat
• The Rogue's March

They have done their work in picking those tracks. They even feature bagpipes, played by Andy Letcher on Dr. Letcher's Favourite, of course, they are a multi-talented bunch and between them can play an amazing array of instruments.

The album kicks off to a "Katie Shaw", a song that was performed by Muckram Wakes in the early 1970's. It's Hannahs striking vocals that dominate this great tune which builds into a great driving accoustic track. This for me was a great marker for how the album develops. It has a nice groove to it that peels away to Sam on fiddle halfway through. The arrangements on the album are very clever and enjoyable. You would have no problem listening to the album in one sitting as each track brings a new and original sound into play.

Another favourite is "Down by the Greenwood Side". I really like this version of a classic Child Ballad. A great percussion intro followed by fiddle then fantastic harmony. Beautifully done, it's a great atmospheric tune that is quite haunting, it is afterall a shocking song.

Jamie's guitar work shines through nicely on Rondo, as does Sam's Bagpipe and Fiddle playing backed and held together by Tom's great bass playing that also adds to their unique sound.

But if you want to hear how harmony works well, listen to Arise Arise. They can all sing really well...and I mean "Really" well. Perfection.

Betty Corrigall's lament is a very touching tune that is delicately played... a reflection on the very sad story it represents: In the late 1770's, Betty Corrigall took her life after falling pregnant to a sailor. She was buried on unhallowed ground, high on a hillside on the Island of Hoy. The clever and perfectly co-ordinated arrangements make this a strong album. It's done so professionally throughout I couldn't flaw anything.

The Trip, two tunes: Kemp's Jig/Hunt the Squirrel were new tunes to me. Again the opening makes you sit up, unusual opening percussion that works really well alongside great accordion playing from Hannah.

It was a real treat to see they included "The Snows it Melt the Soonest", a lovely tune. What was another surpise was their version of Two Sisters...a very upbeat and driving tune...there's almost a comedy introduced to this tale of deception that ends in a hanging...brilliant

Sam get's to show off his fiddle style in Bonaparte's Retreat, an American tune inspired by Dave Swarbrick's playing. He does it a great justice.

I could go on and on about this album. Each of them have proven they are at the top of their league.

It was nice to see Tim Van Eyken involved in preproduction of the album, the album was produced by Andy Bell along with Kerfuffle. They've clearly given a lot tof thought to presentation on this album as the artwork is great, cast in sepia tones and the CD Jewel case is the first of its kind that I've seen. Round edged and very smart looking. This is the business.

The album is due out on 9th June 08 and you can order a copy from their site here.

They will be in big demand this year so if you do want to book them at a festival or folk club, get in there fast. You can find full details on their website:

www.kerfuffleonline.co.uk/

It was a real pleasure to review this album...and I wish them all the best for 2008. It will be their year I feel!