The Magpie Arc - EP1 (2020) Hi-Res

Often, when you think of folk-rock, a definite set of images comes to mind: those sunny photos of Fairport Convention lounging on the grass, a large and friendly dog somewhere in the background, or maybe the cover photo of Steeleye Span’s Below The Salt, the band enjoying a kind of faux-medieval banquet. Images that represent a golden age, from the late-sixties to the mid-seventies, when folk music enjoyed big plans, big sound and comparatively big budgets. Much of what was good in that era was born out of great musicianship coupled with a sense of camaraderie, of belonging. You can tell from those pictures – these were people having a good time, in it together.

Anglo-Scottish quintet The Magpie Arc formed with the intention of replicating some of that camaraderie and reinjecting some life into a genre that, by the band’s own admission, has been in a bit of a creative rut since the glory days. It’s a tantalising proposition, and what makes it even more exciting is the calibre of musicians involved. Singer and violinist Nancy Kerr and guitar virtuoso Martin Simpson have multiple awards and decades of experience between them, singer and guitarist Adam Holmes has released a string of acclaimed albums, including 2017’s Midnight Milk, which combined classic songwriting with a rootsy approach and elements of gospel and blues. Multi-instrumentalist and producer Tom A. Wright has worked with the Albion Band (still going strong after emerging from the folk-rock origin story as one of the most interesting bands of the era), and bassist Alex Hunter has been a long-standing member of Holmes’ backing group The Embers and also looks after the management side of things.

As well as their obvious credentials as musicians, there is a wealth of songwriting quality in the band, something that enables them to bring some new colours to the folk-rock palette. Add to that the presence of producer and engineer John Wood – a true giant of the scene who worked on albums by Nick Drake and John Martyn – and you’ve got all the ingredients for something special.

But the music scene is a very different place now, and The Magpie Arc, who began recording before lockdown, have had to watch it change. So it’s all the more impressive that they have managed to capture the essence of togetherness, of being in a proper band, just as the whole concept of being in a band looked like it might change beyond recognition.

They have chosen to split their initial recordings into three separate EP releases, and the four tracks of EP1 are a perfect introduction. Opener Canon – written and sung by Kerr – begins with a decidedly modern twist, but the shimmering production and an icy sheet of guitar soon give way to a classic slice of folk-rock, underpinned by Wright’s propulsive drumming. Simpson’s guitar work is prominent throughout, channelling country as much as folk, and perfectly reflecting the sharp cold and cruel sea referenced in the lyrics. Kerr’s songwriting is reminiscent of Sandy Denny’s, superficially at least, but her delivery owes more to Maddy Prior. The song achieves the feat of being wholly original whilst effectively pinning down the classic folk-rock sound.

Whenever I’m Alone is a collaboration between Homes and Wright. It delves further into the bands preoccupation with Americana, with elements of Sweetheart Of The Rodeo-era Byrds, 70s Dylan and perhaps even the Jayhawks, backed up by some uplifting harmonies and a jaunty swirl of violin. Sticking with the theme of Americana, Simpson contributes Love Never Dies, a slowly unfolding portrait which showcases his underrated talents as a lyricist and vocalist as well as his much-heralded guitar-playing. Again, the harmonies on the chorus are a striking feature, high and lonesome, full of the space of the open road.

Holmes’ Autumn Leaves rounds off the EP with a melancholic yet melodic note, showcasing his songwriting talents and once again mining the rich seam between country and folk. It’s bolstered by a simple but instantly memorable chorus. It brings to a close a varied and brilliantly executed set of songs from a truly gifted group of musicians and bodes extremely well for what is to follow.