From: Pete Fyfe
[petefyfe_at_aol_dot_com]
Sent: 29 February 2012 19:03
Subject: Pete Fyfe review &
sleeve
Attachments: Webb_Sisters_-_Savages.gif
THE WEBB SISTERS - Savages
(PRPCD079)
"Oh what a tangled web we weave,
when first we practice to deceive!"?so said Sir Walter Scott. And indeed, the
web that sisters Charley and Hattie use to spread their wordy songs can indeed
tangle their audience in knots but in such a refreshing way that we can easily
dismiss any minor transgressions. Like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon the
opening track "Baroque Thoughts" with its harp and vocal sounds as if it was
lifted straight from a Kate Bush track (although I can't quite put my finger on
it as to which one it was) and emerges delicately to flutter away without a
care in the world. This is ?proper' grown up music and under the watchful eye
of producer Peter Asher it has to be said it will more than likely wind up
being my album of the year. OK, I know I can get caught up in the beauty of it
all but the combination of engrossing lyrics wrapped tastefully in
strategically placed musical arrangements I defy anyone not to get emotionally
involved. Crossing genres into the ?country' flavoured "Burn" broadens the
girls appeal even further and as for using the introduction by "Mr
Thirty-Stories" himself (Leonard Cohen) on the girls cover of "If It Be Your
Will" is a master stroke. By the way, that little transgression I mentioned?why
do you have to come across as being all "Essex" when you're obviously not
(they're in fact from Kent) if you get my drift? In many ways the lyrics wind
up sounding somewhat sleazy or at best a little ?cheap' and I suppose if that's
your thing, trying to be like Lily Allen might be a marketing man's dream but
could well bite you on the bum further down the line. That aside, this really
is an outstanding recording and should be high on your list of ?must haves'. www.thewebbsisters.com
PETE FYFE