EP Review: Malin Hill - Four Track Trad Folk

Nottingham’s indie/folk duo, Malin Hill, have crafted something truly authentic with their debut EP Four Track Trad Folk. Clocking in at 16 minutes and 55 seconds, this collection brings to life the very essence of traditional folk music in a raw and unfiltered form. Jenny Beaumont's enchanting vocals and violin, paired with Gary Barwell's warm guitar tones and vocals, create an atmosphere that feels like stepping back into a time when stories were sung, and music was a shared experience in the heart of a local pub.

The EP's ethos is refreshingly simple: to represent Malin Hill as they are live. Recorded at Procsound Studios and produced by Andy Proctor, the tracks were captured in single, unedited takes – a bold move in today’s digital music landscape. There’s no reliance on effects or over-polished production here. What you hear is exactly what you’d experience in a live performance: two vocals, one guitar, and one violin, working in perfect harmony.

Opening with The Fisher Lad of Whitby, the EP immediately sets sail on its sea shanty-inspired journey. Beaumont’s violin dances delicately around the vocals, adding a haunting quality that pairs beautifully with the song’s narrative of maritime life. You can almost feel the salty breeze on your face as the duo brings the age-old story to life.

Prickle-Eye Bush follows, showcasing the duo’s ability to take a traditional folk melody and imbue it with their own indie edge. The interplay between guitar and violin is seamless, creating a rhythmic ebb and flow that sweeps the listener along. The authenticity in their arrangement shines, with the duo’s vocals intertwining like the roots of a deep, ancient tradition.

Salcombe Sailors' Flaunt stands out as the EP's most spirited track, evoking imagery of lively gatherings in a seaside tavern, with tales of adventure and bravado shared over clinking glasses. Barwell’s guitar work is subtly commanding, while Beaumont’s violin adds an air of festivity, making this a highlight for those who enjoy folk music’s more jubilant side.

Closing with Leave Her Johnny, Malin Hill delivers a poignant rendition of this classic farewell song, often sung at the end of a long voyage. The rawness of the vocals, paired with the sombre violin, leaves a lingering sense of nostalgia and reflection. It’s the perfect bookend to an EP that feels like a journey in itself.

For those unfamiliar with traditional folk music, Malin Hill offers a captivating introduction. Their unique arrangements breathe new life into these time-honoured tunes, with an honesty that’s increasingly rare. Their sea-shanty-laden sound is more than just music; it's a cultural experience. There’s synchronicity in their performances that makes you want to pour a whisky, light the fire, and get lost in the stories they tell.

This is folk music in its truest form – simple, sincere, and deeply rooted in history. Malin Hill have done an admirable job of bridging the past with the present, creating a musical harbour where traditional folk lovers and modern indie-folk fans can come together. Four Track Trad Folk is available now on all major streaming platforms, and for those who appreciate a tangible connection to the music, a CD version can be ordered directly from their website. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an authentic folk listening experience.

Listen, relax, and let Malin Hill take you to the shores of history.