ALBUM REVIEW
Unanswered – Ward, Knútur
and Townes
Unanswered is a
product of our times as, during the great pestilence of Covid, three musicians
pooled their resources, employed technology and produced this collection which
reflects their English, Icelandic and Canadian roots respectively.
The highly lauded skills of Lucy Ward, Svavar Knútur and Adyn Townes have created songs with qualities of other-worldliness, serenity and poignancy that are well worth dipping into with all your senses.
Ward’s vocals and
harmonies blend beautifully with Towne’s distinctive singing style which, if
pinned down to a description, seems to be a fusion of Sam Kelly with a hint of Cat Stevens.
The album gestated
over two years in its cyber incubator that is Zoom finally being given life in
Iceland.
Aside from their voices, Townes plays guitars, Ward adds
sansula, (a plucked handheld instrument) and Knútur brings guitars, keys and
synths. They are more than ably assisted by Sarah Matthews on violin and viola
and Evan McCosham on bass. Steve MacLachlan produced the album as well as
adding the drums.
Opening with
Astronaut, Ward and Downes could be accused of whispering the lyrics almost as
if they want the listener to lean in and experience the creation more
intimately.
The harmonies on
Paper Plane are smoother than the fur on a rabbit’s paw and carried along by
the sound of Matthew’s spectre-like violin tones.
A much stronger
tempo brings in the travelling beat of Work It Out where the under-drumming
carries the song along at a canter. The structure has more than a twang of the
fabulous First Aid Kit.
Seasons is a ballad
about legend Johnny Cash and wife
June Carter where, after 35 years married, they died within a few months of
each other. The gentleness of Townes’
tones feel as if you are eavesdropping on the outpourings of someone trying to
make sense of life. Ward’s harmonies are sympathetic and surround the main
lyrics almost like a hug from a friend.
The deeper and sleepier tones of Knútur can lull you into a false sense of security as Isn’t It Funny turns out to be sprawling song with all the hallmarks of something lifted out of a West End musical.
 |
| Adyn Townes, Svavar Knutur and Lucy Ward |
Everything has
ambitions of being a social commentary but doesn’t quite pull it off. While the
intentions are good, the lyrics feel lethargic and the music lacks any edge to
make you sit up and take notice.
Ward comes with a
much edgier sound to her voice for Aurora where there are definite shades of
the late great Sinead O’Connor in
her delivery.
Your Love Was Death
To Me is an incredible title and Townes sings the song with all the pathos of a
wounded and defeated man.
Knútur takes over
for Medusa, his soft Donovan-sounding tones
riding slowly in on a pulsating yet wonderfully understated keyboard.
The title track,
inspired by Icelandic folklore about an old phone box which, although
disconnected for years, allegedly still rings. Locals claim it has mystical
powers and can even bring misfortune! This said Ward’s silky voice is a blend
of gentleness with a real edge and the ethereal refrain is almost chant-like.
If you want to
indulge in the translations of Orgar Brim then feel free but it’s best enjoyed
as the mesmerising piece of music it is. The language of music is universal and
this almost tribal song has a way of sinking into your emotions.
Unanswered is an
album of styles that could so easily have misconnected like badly aligned
cogwheels, instead the layers each musician brings creates a collection that is
ethereal, luxurious and indulgent.
Unanswered is available from wardknuturtownes.com the trio are
also touring over the coming months opening with a chance to invite them into
your living room.
OCTOBER
Friday 13 - Deda
- Derby/Live To Your Living Room - online
Saturday 14 - Newhampton
Arts Centre, Dunkley Street, Wolverhampton. WV1 4AN
Sunday 15 - Riverhouse
Barn Arts Centre, Manor Road,
Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. KT12 2PF
Tuesday 17 - Norden Farm
Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. SL6 4PF
Wednesday 18 - Green
Note, 106 Parkway, London. NW1 7AN
Thursday 19 - The
Greystones, Greystones Road, Sheffield. S11 7BS (PLEASE NOTE THIS VENUE
IS A CASHLESS SITE)
Friday 20 - Manchester
Folk Festival, 25 Swan Street Northern Quarter Manchester. M4 5JZ
Saturday 21 - Chapel Arts,
St.James's Memorial Hall, Lower Borough Walls, Bath. BA1 1QR
Sunday 22 - Calstock
Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock. PL18 9QX
NOVEMBER
Friday 17 - Downend
Folk & Roots, Christ Church, North
Street, Downend, Bristol. BS16 5SG
Saturday 18 - The
Silver Street Sessions. For all concerts please park in Croft Way Car Park,
adjacent to Wiveliscombe Community Centre and a short walk from St. Andrew's
Church.
Sunday 19th - The
Tolmen Centre, Tolmen Centre, Fore Street, Constantine, Cornwall. TR11 5AA
Tuesday 21 - Hermon
Arts, Hermon Chapel, Chapel Street, Oswestry.
SY11 1LF. Parking is available at the nearby Horsemarket Car park
Wednesday 22 - The
Witham, The Witham, 3 Horse Market, Barnard Castle, DL12 8LY.
Thursday 23 - Ropery
Hall - The Ropewalk, Maltkiln Road, Barton upon Humber, North Lincolnshire,
DN18 5JT.
Friday 24 - The Stables, Stockwell
Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU.
Saturday 25 – The Courthouse
- Otley Courthouse, Courthouse Street, Otley, LS21 3AN.
Sunday 26 - Folk at The Froize – The
Street, Chillesford, Woodbridge, Suffolk. IP12 3PU.