SONGS FROM THE SOLWAY

I had no idea that this release even existed as it was not listed as a physical release on the band's official website... Indeed, I was made aware of this recording after listening to it's origins on the silhobbit proggy style podcast... and consequently investigated itunes!

After the Floydian vibe of Gandalf's Fist's excellent previous album "Road to Darkness" I was expecting more of the same and initially found this to be the case. "The unforgiving sea" opens like a nautical "shine on" before quickly shifting into a narrative passage that wouldn't be out of place on Jeff Wayne's war of the worlds. Coupled with an anthemic melodic chorus, this track has grew more and more on me!

Coming next is a folk version of "untrodden ways" from their previous release. This track really caught me of guard as it features newly recorded vocals from a female singer that are very different to the pirate-rock version I was used to... this is a straight up folk ballad now, and although not as 'rocky', seems more polished and soothing.

The nautical and folky theme continues as the next track is an out and out sea shanty! If there's one thing about this release is that it is eclectic indeed! Any fans looking for the neo-floyd sounds of the previous album may be very surprised indeed! And anyone thinking this band lacked variety or originality will be defiantly eating their words with this release!

We take a return to female vocals for the next two tracks: "Stakes at Low tide", which sounds like a mix between nightwish and Jethro Tull and my personal favorite: "The Regency Rascal".

With Regency Rascal, Gandalf's Fist have really rocked it up a notch or two - opening with sfx of a storm at sea we can hear drunken sailors and fiddles and flutes before segueing into an intro section that recalls porcupine tree's 'up the downstair'. Then for the next 10 minutes there is a flurry of riffs, fills, solos and folky breakdowns, all tied together with a catchy chorus hook! Not the GF I am used to, but boy is this epic!

The final track retires the female vocals and returns to (an almost wishbone ash) folk style... dark, moody and awash with tales of kings and battles!!

All in all, I have to say that I prefer the neo-prog stylings of Gandalf's Fist's other records, but for a stand-alone EP this is a very enjoyable listen and well worth getting for "Regency Rascal" alone. If you have not yet heard Gandalf's Fist then I recommend starting with "Road to Darkness" album... however if you already have that record then you'll probably be eager to hear the folk re-working of "untrodden ways" on here!

Conclusion: Good experiment GF but I, for one, hope they return to their Neo-Prog style for their next full-length LP! 4/5