CD Review: Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman's 'Hidden People'

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman
Hidden People
Navigator

The UK's folk-based duo, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, are a couple with great guitar and vocal skills. Sean is the brother of Seth Lakeman, another renowned folk musician from England. The folk rock renderings of "Oxford, N.Y." are especially inviting. The diverse vocal calithenics and music chords are engaging and catchy throughout. There are no weak tracks here. The upbeat tune, "Hang The Rowan," is very catchy and groovy. There is an element of rock to this tune. But it is also one of the best tunes on the entire album. If Heart and The Cranberries made a song in England, this would be it! Though, the beautiful "The Wisdom Of Standing Still" is a close second. Anyway, Hidden People should appeal to people everywhere. Folk fans rejoice with this one!~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Young'uns' 'When Our Grandfathers Said No'

The Young'uns
When Our Grandfathers Said No
Navigator Records

The UK's The Young'uns are a folk trio that create emotive tracks of strings, guitars, accordion, and piano. The twelve tracks are great folk tunes with catchy melodies and fun lyrics. The vocals are representative of Celtic, Scandinavian, and Scottish/English folk melodies. This is contemporary folk, but there are no rock elements present. There are solemn moments and upbeat vocal displays of English charm. There are some vocal winners here, including "The Chemical Worker's Song," "Harbour Voice," and "Roll Down." Anyone with an interest in English folk music will love The Young'uns. Fans of vocal music from the same region will be pleased, too. ~ Matthew Forss