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.
