Robin Denselow 

Moulettes: The Bear’s Revenge – review

A sophisticated, unpredictable approach to acoustic dance tunes mark Moulettes out among their peers, writes Robin Denselow
  
  


Moulettes are among the frontrunners of the new British acoustic scene thanks to their sophisticated, unpredictable approach, matching precise female harmony vocals against complex, swirling backing featuring violin, cello and bassoon – and with banjo, lap steel, hammered dulcimer or washboard added in. They are intriguing because almost every song takes a different direction. Thus the opening Sing Unto Me is a light, cheerful sing-along that seems just a little too simple until Georgina Leach's adventurous violin eases in, while Songbird is a charming neo-folk ballad with exquisite harmonies, and the instrumental Grumpelstiltskin's Jig sounds like a furious English dance tune that suddenly veers off into controlled discord. The album is never as gently chilling as their excellent live performances, but the long and thoughtful Some Who You Love is a reminder that Moulettes can be edgy as well as upbeat.

 

Leave a Comment

Required fields are marked *

*

*