Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar - Utopia and Wasteland

****

Distinctive Vocals... embrace the modern Folk scene on 'Utopia and Wasteland' 

You really would not believe that 'Utopia and Wasteland' is the fourth album by Folk duo Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar, and could this possibly be their strongest yet. Greg Russell (Vocals / Guitar) from Sheffield and Ciaran Algar (Fiddle / Banjo / Guitar) from Stoke on Trent are back, after making a major impact on the modern Folk music scene. The new album 'Utopia and Wasteland' was produced by prolific producer Mark Tucker who also played some of the percussion, bass and background vocals on the record. I think you can hear the sounds of the area it was recording in at times on the album. I think this was because it was recorded at the distinctive The Green Room studio in Devon... which I think is a really great touch.

The Duo's first album 'The Queen's Lover' which was released over five years ago, when the boys where still at school... landed them the 'Young Folk' award at the 2013 BBC Radio 2 Folk awards. Since then the act has gone from strength to strength landing the award for 'Best Emerging Act' in 2015, they were also nominated for 'Best Duo' the same year. Greg and Ciaran not satisfied with having a success as a duo, they have also had major success as solo artists... as well as Greg Russell being part of The Transports project. You will see a review of this project on the site shortly, so come back to check it out.

The album opens with the strong 'Line Two', which is really well put together and shows Greg's vocals off to the best of his ability... and Ciaran's fiddle at the end. I really like this track, it's really strong and sounds really big in the mix. 'Warwick Road' is a traditional Instrumental Folk ditty, that takes you back to their roots. You get fiddle, you get hand drums... you get so much more... for me though after opener 'Line Two' it is just two early in the album for it. The storytelling on the 'Lock Keeper' really goes with the soothing heart felt melodies that are brought to climax by the beautiful backing, this is a magical story and an inspiring song.

One of the strongest songs on the album is the brilliant single 'Seven Hill's, which has a great build up... in layers of music and vocals. This is pure Folk storytelling at it's best, with Pop undertow's and vibrant musical notes that bounce out of the song. 'The Moving Cloud' is another instrumental Traditional Folk song, like 'Warwick Road'... showing off the duo's musical ability. I like the difference of 'We are Leaving' where the vocals almost go into Post-Punk, being a different tone from other tracks on this record. This track is very modern and could hit the mainstream radio, so is one to listen to on the record. And the fact it is a political song borne out of the Grenfell Tower disaster, I think it will be one that might even get played on TV programmes.

'1908' is a nice chilled out track, that has a mid album tempo that makes it flow very nicely, but 'Waiter' is the more stand out track. Again in the traditional vein, I like the harmony and the vocals layers provided by both of the duo. 'All falling Down' is a cover of the Flett / Fletcher song, which I think they really do justice too. Starting with acoustic guitars, and loads of voices coming in for the chorus. This is a really strong version of the track, that I think the original writers would be happy to hear. 'All the While' is a very slow paced piece of music, that reminds me a lot of Damien Rice, and the vocals verge on that mixed maybe songs from the motion picture 'Once'.

Last track 'De Guie Huis' is another Instrumental track that just fades the album out in the best way. The recordings on the album are so good, so full credit to the producer on this one. I don't think the cover of the CD really does the music justice, it does not stand out enough for an album that I think people should really take note of. I think this is a great album, in the Folk genre and one that must be added to your collection.

Review by Dan Devour 

If you want to Buy the new album 'Utopia and Wasteland' you can buy it from the link Below... 

Check Out! the Video for 'Seven Hills' Below...