Four piece band Pilgrims’ Way oozes the rich variety of English Folk culture that will lead you to consider the storytelling of yesteryear and the heritage connected with it.
Opening song, ‘Caveat For Cutpurses’, is equally astonishing and unique. With inspiration taken from playwright Ben Johnson’s ‘Bartholomew Fair’ it sets an interesting scene, the result of Johnson’s experimental theatre of centuries ago. It is a jaunty song, with the combined voices of the group coming together in a lively crescendo that keeps the pace and dynamism flowing well.
While ‘Saucy Bold Robber’ contains something of a hint of rock, the album for the most part automatically brings to mind the impressions of music from rural England. There is an essence of fun that prevails throughout that will take you back to evenings singing around campfires…
The album appears to delight in being different, extending its interest in Ben Johnson in ‘Ibson, Gibson, Johnson’, for example, to tell the story of a female highwayman feigning capture to attract Johnson’s attractions, only to commit murder the plot fails to go to plan.
According to the band, the album was intended for “anyone who has ever fantasized about being more glamourous…more romantic…those who desperately seek escape from the mundane.” I would certainly agree that the album has achieved that.
Not for everyone, but if you like more traditional folk that harks back to English history, then this may take your fancy.
3.5/5
