SILENCE AND TEARS

Silence and Tears marks a quantum leap for Galley Beggar and in truth this their third album is the first one that prog fans and prog folk fans should consider adding to their collections. Everything is an improvement on their second effort - mixing, production values, song-writing, quality of vocals and most of all a greater tightness and focus in their approach. Their second album was an interesting but disjointed set of folk songs. Here they are reaching for greater things, still drawing on the influences of heroes of the great days of folk rock , Fairport, Steeleye and Pentangle but stamping their own mark. There is no weak song here and several standouts including a gorgeous version of Geordie, the poignant self -penned title track, the opener Adam & Eve, the haunting Empty Sky and the 9 minute long Pay My Body which references a Sailors Life slightly but is none the worse for that. Go check it out - you'll be surprised.