Phelan Sheppard - Harps Old Master Album Review

Phelan Sheppard
Harps Old Master
Album Review

The musical journey that has been interwoven intricately between the two mainstays Kieron Phelan and David Sheppard includes three previous albums and has resulted in this calming and adventurous outlet, seeing them reach the nadir of their weaving craftsmanship. Phelan Sheppard produce winding and far reaching sounds with a brass and wind base, to set off on a journey of discovery that eclipses what Bell Orchestre (an offshoot featuring members of Arcade Fire) has recently achieved. 'Broken In The Wrong Places' has a marching feel helped along by hollow percussive jabs and would make the perfect soundtrack to a nostalgic movie set in the countryside. It rises slowly like a giant from a pit and then wanders off in different directions, thanks to a throbbing moog and relaxing percussive jangles. This album is the result of a lengthy period of collaboration betwixt Phelan and Sheppard and you can tell that their previous experiences, such as their first project at high school; a mod revival outfit with a Bowie feel has been an integral part of their journey, helping them to focus on their song-building structure.

The vocals are sparse on this album, but when used they tend to be used in a lush instrumental capacity. Ines Naranjo's crystal, choral vocals skim along the top of a winding violin led arrangement in 'Weaving Song' and it picks the six minute plus song up and leads it merrily on its way. Josh Hillman plays a lead role in binding the songs together with his strolling violin or viola element depending on the song, as the 'Collapsing Cat' illustrates and gives off a vibe similar to Heritage Orchestra grappling instrumentally with Breaks Co-op. 'The Plastagenet Whore' stands out in the middle, for its impressionistic, spacey feel with a cosmopolitan aspect applied by the dreamy Japanese style vocals. The climatic 'Parachute Seeds' shows a sharper and punchier edge, with the two and a half minute number rising quickly and to shuddering effect, thus livening up the chilled mood that has been projected so far. Fuzzy digitalizing is juxtaposed with a trickling element to make the lively and captivating 'Water Clock'. Phelan Sheppard is continuing to grow musically and this tight collaboration is standing firm against the harsh winds of the trends of our modern music industry.

Rating 8/10

David Adair