THE BLACK PILGRIM

If a band is truly British, and you give them a long enough leash, or perhaps shorten it, surely they will revert to the folk of their green isles. Such appears to have been the case with JUMP who, while having flirted with roots music throughout their quarter century, appear to have produced their first full fledged hybrid folk rock album in "The Black Pilgrim". While the subject matter and the arrangements offer validation of this perspective, this isn't a huge leap forwards, backwards or sideways from where they were, say on "The Beachcomber" in 2011, but it's also not that far from what the even more long lived OYSTERBAND have been proposing, with John Dexter Jones sounding like a more technically proficient version of that band's John Jones. Hmm, I wonder what his middle name is. They're both Welsh too.

All that aside, this is one of JUMP's more consistent albums, as in recent years the well of inspiration seems to have been replenished and then some. I could see almost any track as being somebody's favourite, but personally I am particularly fond of the sensitive "My Lady of the Fairground", the angst ridden rocker "Your Madness", the bass driven "Princes of Anger", and especially the oh so English "The Ballad of the Queen in the Morning", with a superb riff and authoritative melody.

If you are a fan of British folk rock with progressive accents, tight ensemble playing, wry lyrics and compelling vocals, do embark on a virtual pilgrimage to this 2013 release.