The English acoustic folk tradition is alive and well and this is where you’ll find it - in the sounds of Cruel Folk. If you want to hear original folk music from the roots of English tradition combining fine vocals wrapped up in a maze of instrumental dexterity then listen to Cruel Folk aka the Holden Brothers.

These guys know exactly what they’re doing with folk music. They’re giving it a cutting edge and their songs reflect their honed style. They deliver enthralling narrative tales in music (my favourite folk style has always been story-telling songs) and these guys are masters of the art.

‘Foreign Lands’ isa great example of their skill. It’s a classic story-telling song about fighting away from your home and Sean’s voice fits the subject and the song to perfection. There’s a rousing chorus, sweeping string intricacies from Paul and Sean behind the vocals and cutting lyrics – add them together and you have a classic song. ‘Merrie England’ is in the same vein but different. It’s a softer song but with hidden menace in its cruel lyrics (hence Cruel Folk perhaps?) the haunting instruments blend to create a sound that takes you where you may not want to go – powerful stuff indeed. ‘Magic’s Almost Gone’ is a beautiful song that quite simply gets in your head and will not let go. This time the theme is more personal and they’ve created one of the darkest love songs I’ve ever heard. The lyrics are incredibly powerful - give them a serious listen and see if you don’t identify with the emotions.

I’m off to Cambridge at the end of the month and I’ll definitely be listening to Cruel Folk.