Music : This Earthly Spell

Rating: - A mature, wonderful album of beautiful (and gritty) songs.
For some songwriters, the re-positioning of priorities that new parenthood brings seems to turn their writing ability to mush overnight. Thankfully, it seems to have had the opposite effect on Karine Polwart. Many of the old concerns are aired again in the songs on This Earthly Spell - anger at the perfidy of our political leaders, the state of the world and the mess being made of it by those who should know better (for those who seem to think Karine has suddenly started writing 'protest songs', have you not been listening over the last few years?). Songs of life, love, fear, beauty and hope are all to be found here.

The band have really matured as a unit over the last couple of years, and the arrangements are varied and rich without being too fussy. I also think Karine's voice has matured, and she sings with greater confidence than ever before. I do have one reservation - I don't think the musical style of 'The News' works. It's one of the good things about Karine and her band that they are not afraid to try working in different musical styles - unlike some reviewers, I don't see this as some kind of betrayal of their trad roots but as a development of a very individual talent - but in the case of this one song I don't think the style works with Karine's voice. Then again, if you don't try something new, how will you know if it works or not? And it may just be me that doesn't like it!

That one small weakness does not lose this album any stars for me, as the whole is incredibly good. Karine is a master of using songs to draw out of you an emotional response that forces you to think about the issues that make her angry, sad, frustrated or joyful.

Buy this album if you listen with your head and your heart, as well as your lugs.

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Rating: - Wonderful
This is yet another brilliant album from Karine. My husband and I are big fans who have been awaiting this with anticipation, and we have not been disappointed. Absolutely love every track, Karine's voice is just so pure and haunting, every time I hear The Firethief I get a lump in my throat! Thankyou for this work of genius.

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Rating: - This Earthly Spell
Two albums from Karine in one year - what more can anyone ask for! I was so pleased to see Firethief included on this album as I absolutely adored this song when I heard it on the radio ballads, it's worth buying the album for alone. It's fantastic to see such a 'modern' issue being tackled in a song adhering to the conventions of traditional music but with a modern edge. I particularly like the way this rather melancholic song blends seemlessly into Behind Our Eyes, a song of restrained hope. These two comprise the heart of the entire album for me.

There is only one song that I'm not keen on from this collection & that's The News. The opening melody reminds me of The Chordettes 'Mr Sandman', which is a bit jarring after Behind Our Eyes. Other than that small gripe, this album shows that Karine really has got a fine talent for producing meaningful, well crafted & perfectly executed albums that not only have great stand-alone songs but that come together to form a cohesive whole.

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Rating: - Thornier but lovely
In Karine Polwart's own words this album is thornier than her previous 'Faultlines and 'Scribbled in Chalk'. Some have referred to her becoming a 'protest singer'! Whatever, yes there are a number of tracks with strong political messages 'Sorry' and 'Better Things' to name but two but what stands out as ever is a beautiful voice-better than ever and right up front in the mix. For this reviewer the four songs that comprise the middle of the album, 'Rivers Run' 'Painted it White', Firethief' and 'Behind our eyes' represent the best continuous set of songs on any of her records and the segue from 'Firethief' to 'Behind our eyes' the musical highlight. The final track 'Tongue that Cannot Lie' is a long tale and may need a while to get into-it displays Karine's storytelling skills but most of all it is a brilliant vocal performance. And is 'Firethief' the best song she has written? Great record!

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Rating: - Another cracker!
Another amazing album from Karine Polwart. From the first time I heard one of her songs on Mike Harding's Radio 2 show I've been hooked. Hot off the heels of Fairest Floo'er is This Earthly Spell with some amazing new songs. The arrangements are fantastic with the instruments & vocals blending beautifully. I particularly love Better Things and the soppy but so lovely Rivers Run.