Howlin' Lord - Gold Fury

This could be the best album of 2011 Howlin’ Lord are a UK alt-country/folk band made up of Mark 'Howlin' Lord' Legassick on lead vocals, banjo, keys and guitar, Mark Furnevall on bass and backing vocals and Thomas Elgie on drums and harmonica. A popular live act in the UK and Ireland Howlin’ Lord produce songs that are atmospheric, haunting and very dark as well as songs that scream rock and roll. GOLD FURY features ten interesting tracks that will have music lovers everywhere excited. The album opens with Once Proud Town. The backing instrumentation music makes you think that you are in for a synical country song but Once Proud Town is more Jack White/rock and roll than country. A catchy song with an up-beat tempo. All the songs on this album were written by Mark Legassick. At once you can tell that Mark is obviously a talented song writer. You Again has more of a country vibe running through it. This is another up-beat song. Wade Right In sees the mood slow right down. This is a gorgeous ballad. Mark pours a lot of emotion into this song. Bright Lights is another slow paced song with a rousing musical segment towards the end. Although a studio recorded album listening to this song you could be forgiven for thinking the band are right with you in the room performing live. From My Seat At The Bar sees the talented singer Beth Rowley join Mark on lead vocals. This is a great folk/country song. Mark and Beth’s voices complement each other perfectly. This is definitely one of the gems on this splendid album. Egyptian Cotton is a slow song that sounds like it has been dug out of the music archives. Mark’s voice is gravely and raw. It is hard to compare Howlin’ Lord to any one else as they are so unique. At times there are hints of Jack White and Justin Townes Earle. Glass Eyes is a high octain song with a definate rock feel. This song would not sound out of place in the singles charts where it could be compared to music by Kasabian or The Raveonettes. Ten Paces sounds like it has been taken straight off the soundtrack to True Blood. Mark’s lead vocals on this track could definetly give Jace Everett a run for this money. The backing instrumentation on this track is phenominal. Funny Way Of Wining is another fast paced rock/country song. Leaves brings the album to an amazing close. This is another really atmospheric song that suits its position on the album. Rousing and anthemic this is the kind of song you can imagine thousands singing along to a concert. This album is rich in lyrical content, stunning instrumentation and striking vocals.