When we stumbled across the Keston Cobblers Club back in early 2010 we knew we had found a very special band whose brand of music as well as their vision was unlike any other at the time. Fast forward to 2012 they demonstrate more clearly than ever with their debut album ‘One, For Words‘ that they have honed that ambition into something quite beautiful that you can’t help but fall for on first listen…
Their sonic palette is part of the key, the rich fusion of brass, ukulele, guitar, accordion, percussion and all manner of instruments is another but that’s not all. They layer all of these sounds together with the purest harmonies whilst keeping a playful air that just sparkles and entices you in. Whether it’s that subtle banjo rythmn you get hooked onto in the background of ‘Pett Level’ or the opening brass on ‘Maybe You’ll Be Heard‘ which conjures up a colliery band from the north. Their arrangements are so damn clever you have to admire their creativity which goes beyond sound as they have demonstrated in their videos, animatons and even their hand made promo CDs are beautifully put together…they make Kirstie Allsopp’s vintage crafts look completely amateur!
The album is theatrical in its approach each song unravelling like a storyboard with plaintive harmonic openings to brass eruptions and more hooks than you can imagine. Imagination runs riot from with quirky sounds and crackles on a 1920’s sounding ‘Promenade‘ to the bold and brassy ‘Your Mother‘…you never quite know what’s coming next…’The Heights of Lola‘ caught me by complete surprise, it is so infectiously joyful…if you want music to lift your spirits then look no further, you can see why they have become such a popular live band…they’re a living tonic!
The band name is perfect: a hard up cobbler who threw barn dances to wear the soles of peoples shoes out…you will wear your soles out dancing to this one…Keston Cobblers Club are in two words ‘infectiously brilliant’!
We couldn’t resist a live session…