REVIEW - FOLK THE SYSTEM "Unrest in the Wolds" (2015)

Folk the System "Unrest in the Wolds"
Release date: May 7th, 2015
Running time: 40:10, 10 tracks

Folk the System are Simon (vocals, 12 string guitar, tin whistle), Tony (6 string guitar), Maty (bodhrán, vocals), John (fiddle, mandolin) and Jonnie (bass). They were formed in the early nineties and released a couple of 4 track demo tapes in 1993 and 1994. Sadly, they disbanded around 1996.

In late 2013 Simon bought a new 12 string guitar and told his bandmates that it was the right moment for a comeback. Almost 20 years have gone by and the lads from the Shires are increasing their fan base thanks to their shows at festivals, their cover of “What You Know” on the tribute to the Levellers album “Bostin’ Days” and, obviously, from their long-awaited debut album “Unrest in The Wolds”.

Folk The System have a bodhrán instead of drums, but don’t be misled by that: these guys really rock!!! “Unrest in the Wolds” kicks off with “Witchfinder”, a song whose lyrics can be filed with the Levellers “Social Insecurity”. The song begins slowly, but after a “two, three, four”, the frantic fiddle and bodhrán make you clear that this is folk-punk.

Track no. 2 is called “Civilisation” and it’s a catchy song, one of the highlights on the album. Fiddle, acoustic guitar and bodhrán are perfect, especially the bodhrán at the end. The sound is based on the Brighton school, but this time it’s more McDermott’s 2 Hours than Levellers.

The next number is amazing too: “Lost Land”. Catchy chorus, excellent fiddling and fantastic backing vocals at the end of the song.

The approach of “Death of a Nation” reminds me of Bleeding Hearts. It’s followed by another fave, “Environmentally Friendly”. Fiddle punk at its best!!!

“To No End” has a sound reminiscent of McDermott’s 2 Hours from “The Enemy Within” era.

“Murphy’s Logic” is a brilliant instrumental. I guess that this number is one of the hottest moments at Folk the System gigs.

“Street Corner People” is about the budget cuts on the Health National Service, especially on Mental Health. The band is really tight on this track: bass, tin whistle, bodhrán and fiddle. “Vanity” is an infectious fiddle punk number and “Least You Deserve” is a little bit darker.

“Unrest in the Wolds” come in a jewel case with a 4 page booklet with all the info: line-up, band pic, thank-yous and website. The studio credits are stated on the back cover (recorded at RAH Studio and produced by Jake Jacob and Folk The System). The lyrics to all of the songs can be found on the booklet, but the font size is very, very small.

Here at Celtic Folk Punk and More we do enjoy British fiddle folk punk. Apart from the Levellers, we love Tricks Upon Travellers, Tofu Love Frogs and Bleeding Hearts. So we are happy when we listen to “new” bands like Ferocious Dog and Folk The System.

Tracklist:

01. Witchfinder Generals 3:27
02. Civilisation 3:16
03. Lost Land 3:35   
04. Death of a Nation 3:50
05. Enviromentally Friendly 4:02   
06. To No End 4:33   
07. Murphy's Logic 4:31   
08. Street Corner People 4:49   
09. Vanity 3:25
10. Least You Deserve 4:41

Website
Facebook
Reverbnation
Soundcloud

Remember that Folk The System second demo tape is available at Bandcamp (Name Your Price)

Click to buy:

CDbaby (Digital copy)

Contact the band via Facebook to buy a physical copy

Review by Kinksmarkham