EST'D 1969

What can I say? Folk is the name of the game, and really well played it is. Robust vocal harmonies, whimsical but expert changes in rhytmic accents and signature, very physical and never electronic textures on all registers and on the percussion in particular.

A refreshing new instalment by a classic band, not leaning so much on tradition, as on present inventiveness. Concerning precisely the creative forces involved here, the album benefits greatly (even when not only) from the outstanding guest musicians: Ian Anderson on flute, adding as much dynamics as you might desire to "Old Matron", and Sophie Yates on harpsichord, wrapping "The Boy and the Mantle" with cristaline texture.