The Travelling Band

The Redemption of Mr. Tom (EP)

(self-released)

Record Review by Thomas Hillard

The Travelling Band comes out of Manchester, UK. The band is comprised of Adam Gorman, Jo Dudderidge, Steve ’Snaf’ Ballinger, Steve Mullen, Chris Spencer, and Nick Vaal. They are one of many bands that have hacked away at the folk and acoustic scene in the UK for years to make a regular space for themselves within its community. Most recently and notably they won attention for their award as New Talent winners in the 2008 Glastonbury Festival.

As a lifelong folk fan like literally from the womb to present, I normally get jaded by the similarities and clichés of folk singers. This record got right past my musical gate keepers. If you crossed The Shins and The Magic Numbers but you know… more acoustic, that’s kind of how they would sound.

The Redemption of Mr. Tom is a four track EP. Each of the songs included creative yet typical layers of instruments: softly distorted electric guitars, acoustic guitars, organ, piano, accordain, a nice roomy drum kit, vibes, single vocals with tastefully placed two and three part harmonies. “Desolate Icicle” an up feeling sitar-backed tune kicks off the record. The second track: “Lanes of Names” – a tales and tides of life themed tune has a haunting feel. I had no reservations or objections to this song or any on the EP for that matter. All of the above are carefully mixed up-avoiding monotony across the arch of the EP. Beyond the sounds and production though, there is just a strong and positive energy that really infuses the entire experience with good times.

The Redemption of Mr. Tom has many contributors despite the limited number of tracks. Each song however keeps within the soundscape of the last; never veering dangerously far from the standards that have been set in the latter. Overall it’s like a deceptive memory. It passed right through my outer walls of judgement - I could have mistaken it for a few other records on my iPod. In that one critique may be the only weakness I see. It isn’t quite adventurous, there are no surprises, no super deep dark impressions. Nothing is quite over the top with jump or joy - barring one exception: “Barmaid” has an edge and kick that I think could definitely set a room in motion, but the studio tracked version is still not hard hitting. All of this can be forgiven if you’re simply content with the fact that the songs are original, well written, and uplifting. It is definitely an enjoyable albeit short record.

If I were prescribing it for an activity or tone to set, I’d say it’s great for cooking on a Sunday afternoon, a road trip, or ambiance in a coffee shop. It has a non-intrusive quality but still offers more within the arrangements and lyrics if you care to pay attention.