Review by Paul Sabin for MPM
Core members of Blues rock outfit, Nitroville – Tola Lamont, Kurt Micheal and Grizzy Rose have a new folk flavoured side project called Coastland Fair. Their inspiration comes from the British Isles coast and seas and hence the band name.
Their debut single `The One Of Us All’ aims to capture the wild, windswept feel of this land. Now I did say this was folk but there’s no shaking of handkerchiefs, knitted sweaters and gentle violins here. Instead, we are presented with infectious Bodhran rhythmic drums, harmonious acoustic guitar and of course, Michaels screaming electric lead breaks to keep some of their rock roots alive. Lamont’s vocal is pure, controlled and soulful here which is a world away from her powerhouse Nitroville vocal excursions. Her hauntingly beautiful voice glides over the track charting its musical course as the song evolves.
The song was co-written by Lamont and Micheal and lays the foundations for future releases which will ensure a unique place in the folk world for Coastland Fair who have rewritten the folky rule book here as they take over where Steeleye Span left off with the blurring of the line between traditional folk and the leading edge of rock.
I look forward to hearing their future material with great interest.
