Kentish Spires, The: Sprezzatura

In 2018 British band The Kentish Spires released an excellent debut album titled The Last Harvest. Their sophomore effort Sprezzatura came a year later and it is indeed a fine follow up. It seems that second album can be a tough one especially if it follows such a fine debut, as The Last Harvest certainly was.

The band ‘s music still attains that Canterbury influence along with folk and jazz elements. Lucie’s lead vocals are really distinctive and generally excellent throughout as she proves to have quite the range.

The “Knots� trilogy begins the disc with the instrumental “Overture� as the beginning piece. A rapid drum roll and an ensuing spry melody and lots of jazzy saxophones and bass clarinet follow suit. The Hammond in the background certainly sways towards the ‘70s Canterbury scene and the melody had me hooked right from the start. Acoustic strumming adds a folky vibe in “A Sea Shanty� as more organ, flute and even accordion add to the interesting sounds. I love the riff progression in this one. The trilogy ends with “Don’t Shoot The Albatross�, another instrumental with a notable bass line and excellent synth work. Lucie V really sings with conviction in the heavier “Horsa From Beyond The Grave� showcasing some wonderful band interplay and great song dynamics. The second triptych titled “Tale Of Three Lovers� begins with the pretty acoustic led “Wishing Well� and ends with the heavier psych infused “Never Tell On You�. The Floyd sounding ending track “The Long Goodbye� recalls the Dark Side Of The Moon era, especially the riveting saxophone. Very well done indeed.

Just like their previous disc, the melodies, songs and musicianship are very strong, making Sprezzatura an easy recommendation.

The musicians are:
Lucie V (vocals, violin)
Chris Egan (reeds, woodwinds, wind synth)
Danny Chang (guitars, keyboards)
Rik Loveridge (Hammond organ, synths, six string guitar)
Phil Warren (bass)
James Hall (drums)

Track Listing:
Knots (A Trilogy)
1. Overture (instrumental) (2:46)
2. A Sea Shanty (4:53)
3. Don’t Shoot The Albatross (instrumental) (2:44)
4. Horsa From Beyond The Grave (6:18)
Tale Of Three Lovers (A Trilogy)
5. Wishing Well (5:58)
6. You Better Shut Your Mouth (4:13)
7. Never Tell On You (6:08)
8. The Long Goodbye (7:53)

Added: June 21st 2020
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 919
Language: english

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