A raft of magical spells (October 16, 2007)
Last week a CD arrived
with a herald’s caduceus on the front and a seagull in flight on the back
cover. Do you know what? That CD from Magicfolk heralded fantastic flights of
musical and lyrical fancy mixed with a touch of pagan lore, medieval
storytelling and a gentle otherworldly
air. Magicfolk blend
tantalisingly delicate music with wistful poetic meandering lyrics. Then when
you’ve been gently wafted into a dreamlike trance by Michelle Glover’s fey
voice backed by some lovingly layered harmonies and Miki Kovalkovic’s haunting
keyboards, striking guitar breaks from Andy Hines and Tom Abbott take the
enchantment to another level.
 ‘Green Man’ opens the album - some interesting lyrics here
… “walk with the Greenman, follow the contra-flow, you don’t need traffic signs
to follow the Ley lines.” It’s a gentle exploration of folklore and mystical
thought. ‘Persephone’ is one of those songs that instantly entices - Michelle’s
tranquil vocals are breathtaking, and Josephine’s flute hovers in your ears.
‘Furies’ has some hidden menace lurking in there - Ben Glover’s bass drives the
song while ethereal screams and words prowl between the music and lyrics.
Definitely a track to play with the lights out but make sure there’s someone to
hold your hand. "Sea Priestess" positively rocks - but their delicate
touch is still there. It’s a silver blade wrapped in lace as the vocals wrap
around you while the keyboards and guitars slice like swirling knives.
The list of performers is wide and varied (much
like everything about Magicfolk) the sleeve notes credit numerous musicians and
voices. Magicfolk’s music would never pass the Old Grey Whistle Test (the
ability to whistle the tune on one hearing) but that’s not what they’re about.
Magicfolk construct a complex potion of sounds using instruments and voices to
seduce your ears. If you want to slide off this planet with all its cares and
go somewhere mysterious listen to Magicfolk. Ben and Michelle write music that
acts like mental balm – soothing and revitalising – remember to keep a soft
hold though and don’t grip too hard because their ethereal sounds will slip
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