Matachin
Bellowhead · 2008
52 min · 13 tracks
A vibrant blend of traditional folk and contemporary arrangements, bursting with energy and intricate musicianship.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fakenham Fair — This opening track sets a lively tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and exuberant brass arrangements, encapsulating Bellowhead's spirited approach to folk music.
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Cholera Camp — With its haunting lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation, this track showcases Bellowhead's ability to tackle darker themes while maintaining an engaging musicality.
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Whiskey Is the Life of Man — This track blends humor and tradition seamlessly, highlighting the band's knack for storytelling through a raucous celebration of life's pleasures.
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Bruton Town — A beautiful rendition of a classic folk song that demonstrates Bellowhead's vocal harmonies and commitment to preserving traditional narratives while breathing new life into them.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Matachin showcases intricate arrangements and varied instrumentation, contributing to its distinct folk sound.
What we noticed
- The album features a diverse array of instruments, including fiddles, brass, and percussion, creating a rich soundscape that varies from track to track.
- Several tracks incorporate interludes titled 'Vignette', which serve as transitions and thematic links between the more substantial songs.
- The tempo shifts frequently, with some songs maintaining a lively pace while others slow down for reflective moments, enhancing the overall dynamic range.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- infectious energy for group gatherings
- short interludes spark curiosity
- captivating storytelling through music
- celebratory vibes for festive occasions
- engaging rhythms for dance enthusiasts
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward single tracks
- seek subdued, quiet listening
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Matachin is Bellowhead's second studio album, released in 2008 after their acclaimed debut, Burlesque. At this point, the band was gaining traction in the UK folk scene, showcasing a rich tapestry of instrumentation and vocal harmonies that solidified their reputation as innovators within the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Unthanks· Lau· Moriarty
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Fakenham Fair 4:59
- 2 Roll Her Down the Bay 3:27
- 3 Vignette I 0:40
- 4 I Drew My Ship Across the Harbour 4:15
- 5 Kafoozalum / The Priest's Miss 5:31
- 6 Cholera Camp 6:08
- 7 Vignette II 0:45
- 8 Whiskey Is the Life of Man 3:22
- 9 Spectre Review 5:23
- 10 Widow's Curse 5:33
- 11 Bruton Town 5:33
- 12 Trip to Bucharest / The Flight of the Folk Mutants, Parts 1 & 2 5:34
- 13 Vignette III 0:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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