THE BLACK FEATHERS + THE LARKS

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If you were of the belief that THE BLACK FEATHERS are named because of their love of dark humour, you’d be wrong but you would be utterly correct that the sonic architecture of their lyrics and musical composition takes its imperious scope from a love of blended vocal harmony and idiosyncratic guitar shapes. Americana to some, folk to others, The Black Feathers have those qualities in expansive quantity. Sian Chandler’s soaring, dramatic, melodious but powerful voice is a perfect counterpoint to Ray Hughes’ piquant vocals and his sparkling and occasionally spicy guitar motifs. This is a duo who love what they play and play what they love with panache, humour, delight and rather a lot of commentary on the downside of being human. Seeing and hearing them will leave you with a smile on your face and a glowing heart of delight.

Since meeting 17 years ago THE LARKS, Liz Miller and Chris Wilbraham, have developed their sound using carefully wrought harmonies, backed by guitar and mandolin, to entertain their audiences. They’ve played festivals such as Ely Folk Festival and they headline folk clubs both local to their native Suffolk and further afield. Winning Watford Folk Club’s Song-writing Competition in 2024, their influences are many (Gillian Welch, Joni Mitchell. The Smiths, The Cure, Anais Mitchell, to name but a few). Their original songs draw on personal experience and feelings and might speak of a remote Fenland Railway Station, a Lifeboat Disaster or Climate Change. Whatever, the music will draw you in and captivate you.