Avenue61 is a leading indie music site that specialises in album and gig reviews, breaking new bands, publicising events, and exclusive interviews with the leading cutting edge acts in the alternative music scene. Avenue61 covers a wide range of artists – some you would have heard of, some you won’t. Artists the site has reviewed recently include the Fleet Foxes, MGMT, Noisettes and Ladyhawke. The site is updated regularly so come back to catch up the latest news and reviews from the bleeding edge of the alternative music scene.
Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>
Described as "beautifully harmonised, wistful songs " (The Guardian) and "Hard to put into words how good these two ladies are." (thebeatsurrender.co.uk), Smoke Fairies are bringing a vibrant new sound to the music industry. London based Jessica Davies & Katherine Blamire form the Smoke Fairies duo, and you would think that just two members might struggle to create a wholesome composition of music.
Fortunately for the Fairies song “Troubles” this is not the case. The bluesy sound of the sliding guitar riffs and the distinctly western sounds of the constant bending notes of the guitar instantly prepare the listener for what is coming next. But then the vocals kick in, I am reluctant to call them enchanting, but there’s certainly a darker
side to this nostalgic sound that is quite stirring. The vocal harmonies give the song a totally new feel, they somewhat don’t match the bluesy tones, but this gives the Fairies a uniqueness.
The bridge brings another angle to the song, in which the harmonies have a feeling of Medieval England about them, a haunting sound which, accompanied by the violin, make this song so much more seriously dark and intensely atmospheric. The song is catchy in a peculiar way. It’s moody and full of character, it may not be to everyone’s taste, but its fairly difficult to criticise the inventiveness and musical talent of the bluesy duo.
Smoke Fairies are not currently signed to a record label, but I am sure somebody will snap them up soon. Perhaps they are not artists that will break through the mainstream, and I’m not sure they would want to, but they can definitely be a hit in the alternative market.
Take Seasick Steve for example, originally writing songs as a drifter with his three string guitar and a wooden box, he has made a career out of rejuvenating the sounds of the American blues and Boogie scene. The Smoke Fairies, with their oddly effective middle age style sounds which crop up occasionally, could be one of the aspects of their music which sets them apart from other folk/indie bands.
The Fairies are currently touring around the UK with The Handsome Family, and have recently recorded a live radio session for BBC6 Music Live.
