SONGS FROM THE SOLWAY

I had no idea that this release even existed as it was not listed as a physical release on the band's official website... Indeed, I was made aware of this recording after listening to it's origins on the silhobbit proggy style podcast... and consequently investigated itunes!

After the Floydian vibe of Gandalf's Fist's excellent previous album "Road to Darkness" I was expecting more of the same and initially found this to be the case. "The unforgiving sea" opens like a nautical "shine on" before quickly shifting into a narrative passage that wouldn't be out of place on Jeff Wayne's war of the worlds. Coupled with an anthemic melodic chorus, this track has grew more and more on me!

Coming next is a folk version of "untrodden ways" from their previous release. This track really caught me of guard as it features newly recorded vocals from a female singer that are very different to the pirate-rock version I was used to... this is a straight up folk ballad now, and although not as 'rocky', seems more polished and soothing.

The nautical and folky theme continues as the next track is an out and out sea shanty! If there's one thing about this release is that it is eclectic indeed! Any fans looking for the neo-floyd sounds of the previous album may be very surprised indeed! And anyone thinking this band lacked variety or originality will be defiantly eating their words with this release!

We take a return to female vocals for the next two tracks: "Stakes at Low tide", which sounds like a mix between nightwish and Jethro Tull and my personal favorite: "The Regency Rascal".

With Regency Rascal, Gandalf's Fist have really rocked it up a notch or two - opening with sfx of a storm at sea we can hear drunken sailors and fiddles and flutes before segueing into an intro section that recalls porcupine tree's 'up the downstair'. Then for the next 10 minutes there is a flurry of riffs, fills, solos and folky breakdowns, all tied together with a catchy chorus hook! Not the GF I am used to, but boy is this epic!

The final track retires the female vocals and returns to (an almost wishbone ash) folk style... dark, moody and awash with tales of kings and battles!!

All in all, I have to say that I prefer the neo-prog stylings of Gandalf's Fist's other records, but for a stand-alone EP this is a very enjoyable listen and well worth getting for "Regency Rascal" alone. If you have not yet heard Gandalf's Fist then I recommend starting with "Road to Darkness" album... however if you already have that record then you'll probably be eager to hear the folk re-working of "untrodden ways" on here!

Conclusion: Good experiment GF but I, for one, hope they return to their Neo-Prog style for their next full-length LP! 4/5

Hello, My name is Dr. Ball.

This is a cracking little collection of tracks, which all harbour their own individual and mystifying take on Cumbrian folk-tales. The first time I listened to this, I was reading through Mrs Ball's lady magazines with sheer boredom, and was thusly rescued by the titillating sound of the solway coast in musical form. In particular, 'the Beckfoot Gypsy" is an alluring track which truely makes one want to jump up and dance with the excitement of a million little pixies. The gentlemen at Gandalf's Fist have also introduced the very welcome female vocals on many of the new tracks, and as I always say to my nephew George - "George, there is nothing better than a woman's voice over some folky prog rock". Dr Ball only jests, but the statement is true all the same.

If you do not like this record, Dr Ball prescribes 6 chinese burns and a 9 hour flight in the seat next to an overweight gentleman.

This is a fairly new release and as such i've rated at at 4 stars, in time this EP may well grow on me and it may creep up into the 5 star rating. If you've read my review of Road to Darkness (R2D), Gandalf's Fist's Last studio album you'll know that i'm a fan, this band from Cumbria UK have followed that up with a great little 30 odd min EP based in myth and legend of their home land bringing together a collection of songs about Cumbria and the Solway.

There are a number of nautical themed songs and some of the tracks on this release will be familiar to fnas of the band; Stakes at low Tide is a remixed folkier version of a track off of their debut album The Master and the Monkey and She dwelt amongst the Untrodden ways will be familiar to those who have listened to Road to Darkness, although both benefit from having a female vocalist as opposed to the male vocals on the originals.

The stand out tracks on this release are The Unforgiving sea, a spoken word almost Richard Burton voice tells the tale of ship being battered and driven onto the shore, with an awesome chorus which is catchy as hell! The Betsy Jane is a sea shanty, good and proper, here the "what shall we do with a drunken sailor" riff played over the chorus towards the end.

Gandalf's Fist have steered away from the Floydian sound of R2D and embraced something very rural and folky, Untrodden Ways from R2D has its hooks deep in this track and the Nautical theme continues through into by far the best song on this release.

The Regency Rascal, this song is an 11 min rollercoaster of music, its by far the heaviest song by the band, more Prog Metal in places than Prog rock, but with a calypso riff that catches you off guard, but that fits into the overall piece brilliantly. Deep layered female vocals and amazing guitar parts are littered throughout this track, the bridge and solo are incredible, its almost Maidenesque in parts and sounds amazing.

What are Gandalf's Fist? Are they Floydian Prog? Are they Neo Prog? Folk Pro? Or Prog Metal? Answer I have no idea, but what they are is Brilliant 8/10.