The folk revival begins here. If there was one artist from
the folk scene who could break into the mainstream it's last year's Mercury
Prize nominee Seth Lakeman. Now signed to a major label, the West Country
singer songwriter polishes and re-releases his third album Freedom Fields.
ar and conflict seem to be the big themes here. The album's
title is a reference to an English Civil War skirmish that led to a dramatic change in Parliament. King And Country tells young lady whose
beloved is called to war and she is left pining for his return, capturing the
naivety and bravery of soldiers going off into battle ("I`ll do as much as any
young man may/Please don`t sit and mourn I'll come back rich and brave"). Meanwhile, The Riflemen Of War with it's
booming drums and folksy string parts is a military celebration if ever there
was one. Other local interests covered include shipwrecks (Lady Of The Sea) and
a mining disaster (The Colliers). All
give a colourful depiction of tales and stories that have been passed on from
generations.
Rating: 3/5
Release date: 21st August 2006
Label: Relentless
Info:www.sethlakeman.co.uk
Words: Helen Duong
