Instar

Ecology, politics, and the rigours and inequities of the present framed by the struggles and injustices of the past are central to Nancy Kerr's new album, in part inspired by the wilderness and nature writing of Rob Cowan, Helen Macdonald and George Monbiot, as well as the socio-economic boneyard of the UK government's failed austerity programme. These include two songs from the Sweet Liberties stage show: one about the Tolpuddle Martyrs; the other name-checking an old villain of the folk tradition, Reynardine, in a song about sexual assault.

Kerr's in strong voice, dramatising with passion and humanity her oblique poetry of dissent, while her Sweet Visitor band – which includes James Fagan and Rowan Rheingans – provide plenty of contrasting textures and tones. The opening, title-track sets the stall, inspired by Rob Cowan's book Common Ground, its musical setting lush and fluid. The following ‘Farewell Stony Ground’ name-checks Karl Marx while ‘Fragile Water’ focuses on gender fluidity and transition by drawing on the legend of the Selkie. Ecology and inequality are the overriding themes. Kerr's messages are served well by the poetry and imagery, often drawing strength from traditional ballad tropes and forms, set against the pressures of the contemporary landscape.