Gone To Ground is the new single from London formed, Bristol-based folk ensemble Apple of My Eye. Timed to coincide with the anniversary of the fire at Grenfell Tower, an official launch event will take place on 23rd June at The Gresham Centre in Central London. All proceeds from the sale of Gone To Ground, along with a portion of ticket sales from the launch event, will be donated to Grenfell United.
Apple of My Eye’s influences are drawn from English folk and storytelling. With intriguing, lyrically rich songs and multi-part vocal harmonies and traditional folk instruments, the band has won widespread acclaim for their imagination and wit.
Guitarist Arran Glass from the band states: “Folk music has always responded to tragedy and injustice. Gone to Ground is emotional response to what happened. It reflects on the failures of multiple authorities in this preventable tragedy. One year on, two-thirds of victims are still homeless and those responsible for fire safety failings at Grenfell have never been brought to justice. As the chorus insists, they have all gone to ground”.
The tragedy is never explicitly named in the single. Instead, the subtle but powerful lyrics perform a delicate balancing act between the political and the mythological. With rich harmonies and instrumentation, the track deftly moves from sadness and grief to anger. It begins with eerie, atmospheric strings, building to a driving climax of clattering drums.
Staples of the London folk scene and music festivals, Apple of My Eye has released three albums – Devils, Seven Tides and The Beast Below – and has now teamed up with esteemed producer Gerry Diver (Sam Lee/Lisa Knapp) to record the fourth, One for Crow – the band’s most ambitious and personal album to date. The album is due for release later in 2018.
Gone To Ground was sung by lead vocalist Chris Duggan with backing vocals from Arran Glass and Jo Silverston. Instrumental backing was provided by Arran Glass (guitar), Chris Duggan (bouzouki), Jo Silverstone (cello), Kit Massey, Dan Duggan and Gerry Diver (violins) and Phil Cornwell (double bass). In a marked departure from their previous sound, Apple of my Eye are joined for this single by Pete Flood on drums (Bellowhead/Lisa Knapp).
Launch Event – 23 June at The Gresham Centre in Central London – Tickets via Eventbrite
https://supportgrenfellunited.org/
Photo Credit: Joseph Hughes