ELBOW JANE 3 SIDE ISLAND REVIEW. MAVERICK MAGAZINE JUNE 2009.

3 Side Island. Fellside ****

eminently listenable follow up by new kids on the folk block.

The emerging but relatively little known Elbow Jane are a collection of seasoned performers in their own right. They have produced an eminently listenable follow up to their 2007 release England Stone. With Joe Topping, Kevin Byrne and Richard Woods on vocals and guitars and stringed things, Chris Chesters on bass and Steve Finnigan on percussion, this is a young folk band with a fine pedigree and not a woolly jumper or extreme beard in sight.

They produce a vibrant sound with soaring harmonies, at times reminiscent of a Tim O`Brien production. So it comes as no surprise to find a cover of O`Briens Walk Beside Me, which is beautifully performed.

The rest of the songs are the band`s own, with the three principle songwriters sharing the spoils. With subject matter ranging from a tribute to the Liverpool Engineer William McKenzie – Travelling Man – through to a not so flattering ode to George Bush – Out Of Control - and the pressures of modern living – One Beat Away – This is a thinking man`s band that seems to have plenty to say.

The musical arrangements are at times magical and you`ll find yourself floating away to the sound of gently tinkling mandolins and the harmonics of the vocal arrangements. This simply has to be worth a listen.

A.J.T.