Released August 2nd on Two Six Heave
The debut EP by London folk outfit The Lost Cavalry is packed full with atmospheric sounds and vivid imagery. Waves Freeze to Rolling Hills does pretty much what you’d expect from a folk-indie band- relaxing the mind and massaging the soul. No bad thing.
Led by ex-Fanfarlo guitarist, Mark West, The Lost Cavalry are a five-piece with an array of musical talents, with ukulele, concertina and melodica just a selection of the instruments used to create their layered sound.
Opening track, ‘Oh Sally’ is a whimsical track, with delicate melodies interweaved with the strong vocals of West, leaving a mystical and magical flavour. ‘Secret Steps’ continues in the same fashion, with a nostalgic feel and steady tempo as the song reminisces of happier times.
‘The Elephant of Castlebar Hills’ is perhaps the strongest track of the collection, with a similar dreamy and atmospheric sound to First Aid Kit, albeit a male version. Lyrically the songs seems a more sombre tale: ‘Under the hillside some circus magic still remains/they push too hard and push you too far away from home.’
Ending with ‘Only Forward’ which follows The Lost Cavalry pattern of raw and strong vocals aided with gentle melodies. Vocal harmonies are the highlight of the track as they bring the song to a rewarding conclusion. Waves Freeze to Rolling Hills is a good collection of folksy music and The Lost Cavalry on this evidence may well be worth catching live too.
Stream the E.P on Soundcloud HERE
Posted In Single Reviews, Aug 09 2010.
Words - Richard