GRYPHON

This is very authentic. It's hardcore medieval music at its best! If that kind of music ever interested you, then it's worth checking this stuff out. Gryphon took the genre and made it sound genuine, fresh and full of energy.

There are no electric guitars, synthesizers or production tricks on this album. And there's no commercial appeal either! The joyful album opener, 'Kemp's Jig' presents the main elements of the band's groove with some masterful work from the recorder and bassoon.

Of the instrumentals, I like the short and sweet 'Touch And Go' and 'Pastime With Good Company' the best. 'Estampie' is a longer piece and has a similar kind of interplay. I particularly like the percussion on that track.

The vocal numbers are among the greats but with a couple in particular, don't expect something like medieval minstrels with angelic voices. Instead, you'll hear the band's down-to-earth and humourous side. I absolutely love 'Sir Gavin Grimbold' which has a cute stop-and-start structure and mystical tale of an unexplained disappearance.

'Three Jolly Butchers' is just as fun, with a tale of horrendous betrayal played to a bassoon/harpsichord backing. The melodies are fabulous too. Best of all though, is probably the chilling "The Unquiet Grave". In all, this may not be for everyone but the performances here are excellent and it's ever so cheerful and chaming. Folk lovers should give it a few spins.