Seeking a Dish with a Twist

Any music of note can have numerous reactions upon the listener. It can be a case of emotional connection with experience or the ability to whisk one's mindset to another place. Listening through the music of Spiral Scouts achieves both; with a more hefty nod to the latter.

So the scene was set. As the twilight transcends hastily amending the sky's palette from perfect blue to pastel shades of sunset. The clouds transform into the sight of mash potato basking in the velvety comforting glow of molten butter. The heat of the day replaced by the easing cool of the night time. Friends gather around a camp-fire. The crackling of burning kindling falls like echoes in the evening air. A perfect partner to this reflective and celebratory bliss is the fiddle playing of Heath Lavery of Spiral Scouts, which not so much compliments the rhythmic and lead pairing of George Spittal and Andy Hall respectively, as to feel like the involuntary reaction of inhaling and exhaling. Spiral Scouts stake their claim for inclusion into such a perfect evening. Over the top of this gloriously effectual and earnest of arrangements is Spittal's soothing vocals. His vocal style drifts between the pendulum of soothing confidant and wizened storyteller. I note a comparison cited to Paul Weller. In my opinion save for a few exceptions I feel Weller's relevancy ended with The Jam. The similarity is found in the notwithstanding my previous comment, the maturer more soulful sound of an elder Weller in his contemplative best. Not least of all on the song “Black Cat”, which incidentally is an engaging tale as there can be with the beautifully crafted and delivered refrain of “I've had far too many lies told to me.”

The scene changes and shifts. Wintry, blustery storms are brewing. Panes of glass in windows are feeling the tumultuous torrent of abuse of nature's elements that match the protagonists inner turmoil. She sits shifting uneasily in a chair by a roaring fireside, the world having removed her own inner flame. Returned it to embers that at best flicker, struggle to remonstrate any visible signs of life. Victims befell by acts of horrendous atrocities, that lay comatose in hospital beds exhibit more life. Her face drawn, hollow with the shifting glow of the fire to display a woman lost of this world. She sits in the knowing embrace of such songs of genuine craftsmanship and honesty as “the maiden and the fire”. This is music's chronicling of emotional journeys and characters that we all can relate to.

Spiral Scouts are an amalgamation of potently talented musicians from various different concoctions of other bands from the Blackpool area. Often such visible talent does not always sit together in an embracing harmony.

It appears that it is almost impossible to turn on the television these days without being force fed (I'd say excuse the pun, but obviously it's intended) countless cookery shows where presenters and opinionated commentators wax lyrical about composition of dishes. Apparently its not enough to source perfect ingredients, execute preparation and throw it all together. Seemingly it's equally important to consider composition of a dish for it be truly deemed accomplished and acceptable. I can see the relevancy of such a point and the analogy is befitting.

In addition to the aforementioned Spittal, Hall and Lavery. There are other brilliant ingredients to this dish. With additional vocals from Kim Baldwin, flute playing from as I write this unknown player which of course adds an element of mystery. There is a solid and unimposing rhythm section which perhaps calls for clarification of such a comment.

This is a largely traditional sounding band with necessary virtuoso and flair originating from the potently talented Andy Hall on guitar, who appears more home in this purest showcasing of talent than perhaps were more well known rumbustious guises. Equally the work of Lavey's fiddle plays its important part too. Songs move from quirky tempo and outlaw travelling drive and groove where the rhythm section comes along for the ride. On other occasions a breath is sought and allows slower sultry moments to reverberate for the listener's delight and reflection. This is not a place for showy bass fills or pounding rhythms this is a place for the starch of the dish if you will, to provide the sustenance but not detract from the more exotic flavours. Of course television teaches me this is how a great dish should be. Each ingredient having its chance to shine but not overwhelming one another. Well simply put enjoy the feast.

Spiral Scouts can be found here http://www.reverbnation.com/spiralscouts#!