Review | Songlines

What Makes You

Top of the World

Rating: ★★★★

View album and artist details

Album and Artist Details

Artist/band:

Elephant Sessions

Label:

Elephant Sessions Records

Aug/Sep/2019

Indie folk champions Elephant Sessions return with their second album, and a cracker it is too. Winners of Live Act of the Year at the 2018 BBC MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards and finalists in the 2018 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Band, the group are steadily making a name for themselves with their synth, funk and dance rhythms. Nine instrumentals make up the album and there is a dance ambience throughout as witnessed in the title-track, layered with some effective fiddle, mandolin and guitar. ‘Loft Crofter’ starts with some chilled synth before finishing with a sweaty set of reels, while ‘Tyagarah’ embraces world music rhythms.

The band is comprised of five musicians, with fiddler Euan Smillie and bass and synth master Seth Tinsley as the main writers. It's a challenge for any musician to manage the complex relationship between old and new, yet Elephant Sessions tackle this with aplomb. There is no token synth here – traditional and modern sounds are melded as one with style and expertise. It's an eclectic and electric mix that keeps the sound fresh. They're also a fiery and passionate live band – catch them if you can; you won't be disappointed!

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