Songs Lost & Stolen – Maverick review
Honest, warm and inspirational, the record builds something new while embracing something old…
At just 26 years old, Bella Hardy has taken the folk scene by storm, having already been nominated three times in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and playing fiddle in many line-ups before pursuing her solo work and combining her vocal talent and fiddle skills. SONGS LOST & STOLEN is a twelve-song collection featuring the collaborative talents of Kris Drever, Anna Massie, and Patsy Reid amongst others. Known for live performances that stir and move, her songs inspire and soar, embracing stories written with traditional English folk in mind and combines her vast knowledge of English Literature. Songs like Flowers of May especially draw upon this, while the opening track Labyrinth and Bridge of Dean are almost popular in their sound, much more accessible in language and narrative. Bridge of Dean is especially memorable for it’s upbeat pace and vocal tyle that is both alternative and wonderfully mesmerising. This record isn’t weighing heavy with fiddle laden tunes and the sound is instead tastefully and intricately placed appropriately throughout the tracks, whilst also focusing on guitars of all kinds. Written In Green is bound to be a favourite for it’s bluegrass style and crazy fast pace, that would definitely attract an audience at a country festival. My favourite track on this record has to be Jenny Wren, a beautiful song, armed with an honest and warm vocal style that reaches deep. This inspirational folk record is a fond reminder of the power of embracing the past and being clever with this craft – the outcome… a stunning album embellished in talent and a clear understanding of what’s been done in the past to help craft something new.
