MYTHS AND HEROES

Fairport Convention are more of an historical institution to some than a music group, so it's easy to give the band a pass based on sentimentality rather than merit. However, this latest incarnation of FC, like the many that preceded it, are still world class musicians with the desire to produce world class Folk Rock music.

Being devoid of an a top flight electric lead guitarist for almost twenty years has caused this current version of the band to focus their music around a very acoustic based sound that features Chris Leslie on either mandolin or bouzouki, Ric Sanders' on his ever present violin, and Simon Nichol on either acoustic and, occasionally, electric rhythm guitar. So, the group's sound is more of a slow burn then the occasional rapid fire explosions as in the past.

The album gets off to swift gallop on the rock and roll beat of the title track, Myths And Heroes, before slowing down to the now familiar trot that entails the following four songs, with the Simon Nichol's lead vocal on Clear Water being just one of the highlights.

Even though Leslie is an outstanding songwriter, as well as an impressive vocalist, the band still has the ability to find great songs written outside of the band and make them their own. On this particular album, these songs form a string of melodic introspective tunes with beautifully layered vocals, as found on the songs The Man In The Water, Grace and Favour, and Weightless/The Gravity Reel.

So the band's still got it and they still deliver in the present year of 2015. The only question that remains is if you like this very acoustic based version of the band, or do you require a little more spice in the sound mix. For me personally, after close to twenty years, I think the group's music could use a dash more spice in their future album endeavors. 3 stars.