UNHALFBRICKING

Unhalfbricking is the third full length studio album from folk/ rock act Fairport Convention. I was very fond of the debut album from Fairport Convention which in addition to the folk/ rock elements also had psychadelic leanings while I wasn´t too pleased with the development towards more traditional folk/ rock that the band took with their second album What We Did On Our Holidays. The music is still well crafted and well played on that album but it doesn´t fit my personal taste much. The same can be said about Unhalfbricking.

The music has turned even more towards traditional british folk but still with a rock approach. There are some great tracks on the album like Genesis Hall, Autopsy and the 11:08 minute long A Sailor´s Life ( we´re I am actually treated with a bit of the psychadelic tendencies I miss so much from the debut. It´s only hinted at though). The signature Sandy Denny tune Who Knows Where The Time Goes is not my cup of Tea, but I do acknowledge that it is a memorable and well crafted song. The inclusion of fiddle and mandolin from guest musician Dave Swarbrick on some songs also means that the folk leanings are even more clear than before.

The musicianship is good. Nothing challenging is played but Fairport Convention´s music is not about playing challenging music it´s about creating atmospheres which they are very good at. I can almost smell the tobacco and the stale beer while listening to a song like Cajun Woman.

The production is well done and organic which suits the music perfectly.

Unhalfbricking is a step in a more folky direction and allthough I think it´s an overall better album than What We Did On Our Holidays I still miss the psychadelic approach which made the debut such an enjoyable experience. Don´t get me wrong though I think Unhalfbricking is a good album and I think it deserves a 3 star rating.