Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

  British folkies Odd At Ease present us with a finger in ear style rootsy folksy extravaganza mainly based around the compositions of main vocalists Richard Carver and Ian Cleverdon.  Delighting in traditional sounds, Odd At Ease will appeal to anyone who got into folk music via The Fairports, Steeleye Span or even the rootsier recordings of Lindisfarne.  The band will no doubt be pleased with my observation that this could easily have been recorded in 1974!  There’s some wonderful flute playing from Anna Scarisbrick which adds an extra dimension to the album (check out the lovely “As Sylvie Was Walking”).  The excellently titled and executed “Fairies With Attitude” gives everyone the chance to solo!  The song choices mix band originals with their arrangements of older traditional material.  The blend works well and it’s clear that in Richard and Ian, they have a pair of fine songwriters.  So it’s mandolins ahoy and enjoy!

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