The Eighteenth Of May - The Eighteenth Of May (Out now on Hannibal) Album Review

The Eighteenth Of May
The Eighteenth Of May (Out now on Hannibal)

Laid back pop/folk with a Gaelic touch is what the six strong, rovers of The Eighteenth Of May is all about. The six minute plus winding opener; 'Eighteen Days' is soothing enough for you to relax in comfort in the hope that you will slowly drift away. However, the album doesn't unfold that way when they try to pull off a The Byrds style, roving country rock number 'Sir Casey Jones'. This album fails to reach any real rhythm or mood, but maybe it was meant to be that way?

A trickle of The Be Good Tanyas runs through this offering, but it does not feature the captivating spirit and style of the aforementioned act. 'Hide & Seek' contains elements of Tom Waites and Martyn Joseph, against a sprightly and tingling instrumental back drop to pleasingly lift the tempo. However, this is something of a false dawn, as the album tends to continue in a maudlin manner that does not wake you from a gentle slumber. There is enough to suggest that this outfit possess diversity and instrumental power, but they do need to release it a lot more.

Rating 3/5

David Adair