Carthy Hardy Farrell Young - Laylam

Review by Jeff LOUD

Carthy Hardy Farrell Young's album Laylam is a mesmerizing collection of traditional and contemporary folk music. The quartet, consisting of Eliza Carthy, Bella Hardy, Lucy Farrell, and Kate Young, showcases their individual talents on instruments like the fiddle, guitar, and accordion, while also blending their voices in beautiful harmonies.

The album opens with the haunting track "The Leaves of Life," which sets the tone for the rest of the record. The group's arrangements of traditional songs like "The Grey Selkie" and "My Son David" are refreshing and inventive, while their original compositions like "The Sea" and "The Old Churchyard" are equally impressive.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "The Mountain Streams," a beautiful and melancholic song that showcases Carthy's powerful vocals. The group's instrumental prowess is also on full display on tracks like "The Sea" and "The Willow Tree."

Summary by Jeff LOUD

Laylam is a stunning album that showcases the talents of four exceptional musicians. Fans of traditional folk music will find much to love here, while newcomers to the genre will be captivated by the group's beautiful melodies and harmonies. Highly recommended.