The Ree-Vahs – Geordieland (Clare’s Sons Music)
CD/DL
19 May 2014
Traditional Tyne folk group release their debut album.
Geordieland is an album that has been discussed for quite some time
in our household, and it’s an album that is so simple in its own simplicity
that is the thing that makes it such a special collection.
As with most folk music there’s a story behind the band and The
Ree-Vahs are no different. Lead singer
Andy Loan is descended from Irish heritage with a Grandfather settling in Stanley
in County Durham between the two World Wars.
Tommy O’Loan created a new style of localised singing which found its
way down to Andy.
Similarly, each song on Geordieland tells a tale or a story about
everyday life, love and death in charming Durham accent which adds authenticity
and interest in abundance. Local music
is dying and a part of our musical heritage, it’s important that we don’t lose
it. Albums like Geordieland should be
heard and treasured by many, not only by the folks of the North East, but by
anyone with a passion and interest in music.
Opening with lead single No One Naas Us Anymore, there’s a modern
twist to the traditional sound with the group which often varies from two to twenty
members. Andy returns to the place of
his childhood and knows no-one in a toon (sorry) so descriptive you could almost
have held his hand.
What follows with the title track, is one of the most fascinating
lyrics you’ll hear this year. If there’s
more that could have been packed into it then I’d like to see how. You’ll feel as though you were there with
Bernadette and Michael and Roger in a rousing tale of the Tyne on a Friday
night (Andy was particularly keen to point out the image of a vomitting figure on
the album sleeve!)
There’s a story everywhere, Never Been Before is heartmelting and
Beautiful Girl is upbeat and rousing. A
lone piano backs Andy on Until I Fall Off This Earth again displaying the knack of knocking out a damn fine song.
With album closer I Believe In Thee And Me a fine tribute to the
Border towns ends. It’s also a fine
tribute to a dying breed of music which we should all support and
preserve. A big pat on the back to The
Ree-Vahs – the lads have done good.
8.5/10
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