Album, Gig and Band Reviews

I've just finished listening to Little Sisters - don't delay, find out when they're playing a gig near you and go along, you'll love it. Better still, get hold of a copy of their EP 'La Rosa' and hit the repeat-play button. There's a haunting feel to their voices with stunning harmonies that are spot on, while the blend of instruments produces a depth that belies the fact there's only four of them.

I've heard a few variations of 'Wild Mountain Thyme' over the years but this has to be one of the best. The vocals are as pure as heather honey and wrap round you like autumn mist, while the gentle strings slide a veil of intricate magic across your ears. 'Black Jack' is a little gem. Little Sisters combine a growing stream of strings, which turns into a cascade of sheer delight as they build the tunes. 'La Rosa' itself is one of those songs that will be in your head for hours. Sephardic music is filled with a powerful emotional intensity and the ladies have produced a poignant piece that swirls with passion and fervour – just sit back and let La Rosa take you away.

The talented Little Sisters are Hannah Marsden (accordion, viola, vocals), Samantha Fox (harp, mandolin, vocals), Laura Mattison (violin, flute, vocals) and Katy Bennett (guitar, cello, vocals) – the combination is beautiful. If ever there was folk for the soul then it's delivered here. Can't wait for the full CD to follow the EP.