By hmcclure | April 22nd, 2012
Sydney folk-band Tin Sparrow are back with a brand new EP, the follow-up to last year’s release, From the Sun. Their debut won them a legion of fans, as did their energetic live performances, and more will no doubt follow with the release of Fair & Verdant Woods.
They’ve been a busy lot over the past few months, with tours supporting fellow folksters Matt Corby and Husky, and they’re also scheduled to join Boy and Bear on their upcoming national tour.
Fair & Verdant Woods sees Tin Sparrow’s evident growth as a band. It’s got all the aspects that made From the Sun so enjoyable, but there’s an obvious added polish. Having worked with members of brilliant Australian bands Belles Will Ring and the Middle East during recording may have had something to do with this.
Proceedings commence with new single “My Own,” a whistle-friendly, rolling track – very much in the mold of their old work. “Hector Myola” (released last year) includes lead guitar Dean McLeod’s standout slide-guitar riffs, while ”Bricks” sees heartfelt vocal interplay between Matt Amery and Sonja Van Hummel.
I really love Tin Sparrow – their music never ceases to put a smile on my face. There is a glut of folk music at the moment, especially in Australia, but there’s something about Tin Sparrow that stands out. An unpretentious group, there is an obvious love to their music which adds to their music.