The Albion Band – The Vice of The People

Album releases
Written By Chris Singleton

Album release: The Vice of The People by The Albion Band
Release date: April 30 2012
Label: Powered Flight Music
Listen: http://www.poweredflightmusic.com/

"We have a hell of a heritage to live up to, but with this record we're confident we've made something that stands comfortably alongside anything the genre has had to offer. It's contemporary, relevant and will bring the concept of traditionally rooted rock to a new audience." - Blair Dunlop

"Wipe away any nostalgic tears... an impressive ensemble as refreshing as the original project. Surprisingly audacious!" Maverick

Alongside Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention, The Albion Band are one of the "big three" of English folk-rock, fusing traditional British songs and tunes with contemporary instruments and sounds. All three were formed by legendary band leader Ashley Hutchings. Generally considered one of the most important groupings in the genre, The Albion Band has contained or been associated with a large proportion of major English folk performers from Richard Thompson to Martin Carthy in its long and fluid history. 

Until 2011, the one constant has been Albion Band leader and bass player Ashley Hutchings but, on the fortieth anniversary of the band's founding, an idea was sparked for a re-imagined, new line-up that would bring together a new generation of performers. The new line-up recaptures the spirit of The Albion Band's heyday with a rockier, edgier approach to traditional English folk music. Taking the unique character of classic era Albion Band (Battle of the Field/Rise Up like The Sun) and fusing it with award winning song writing and a contemporary rock and indie vibe, this is the new sound of 21st century English Folk Rock, and a shot in the arm for the whole genre.

For the first time in the band’s history, Ashley steps aside to let son, Blair Dunlop, lead a new generation of folk artists. This new line up features a number of performers from a range of backgrounds reflecting earlier versions of the Albion Band. These members include Folk Award nominee Katriona Gilmore (Tiny Tin Lady, Gilmore/Roberts - Fiddle and vocals) the traditionally biased vocalist, concertina player and guitarist Gavin Davenport, (Solo, Crucible) drummer Tom Wright (former Young Folk Award finalist and member of Eliza Carthy projects, Glorystrokes), and Tim Yates (Blackbeard's Tea Party/The QP) taking on the onerous duty of playing bass - only the second bass player - the first being Ashley Hutchings himself - and lead guitarist Benjamin Trott.

Such a radical overhaul of Albion recruits has met with some controversy, given that no original member of the band remains after Hutchings’ departure, but the startling debut album strikes a contemporary chord that is set to firmly answer many questions.

Throughout March, the band will embark on a 26-date national UK tour.

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Chris Singleton
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