'Last Sleep In Albion' EP by Adelaide’s Cape

After seeing him support the Miserable Rich in fine style I’ve just got my sticky mitts on the debut EP from Adelaide’s Cape. Whereas the live show was a solo performance the EP features the whole band (on a few of the tracks at least), adding an extra layer of richness for Sam’s emotive vocals and lyrics to bed down in. There are five tracks in total kicking off with ‘This Fiction’ which comes off like a glorious cross between Arab Strap and Seth Lakeman. Anchored Down really shows off Sam’s intricate guitar work, shades of Davy Graham in there and if you know your folk guitarists it doesn’t get much better than that. It’s the fourth track on the EP, ‘Stay’, that’s the highlight for me though. With something of a sea shanty feel it features some delightful lines “Stay. Don’t leave. Come back. Oh my heart is breaking. Cold lips soft Kiss. I need medication. Red wine. Beadstead. Ripped sheets and pillow cases. Lost dogs odd sods and pure, dark inebriation.” That’s dead poetic that...“pure, dark inebriation”. Highly recommended for lovers of Nu Folk (is that a genre yet or am I just making stuff up again?). Trek over to their MySpace for a listen or, even better, buy a copy of the EP from Dustbowl Records.

PS: Adelaide’s Cape are also appearing at the Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath with Polly and the Billets Doux on 5th July. Whoop!