My initial introduction to Firefly Burning was back in 2014 when James Redwood and his folk collective were chosen to arrange a brand new folk song using a selection of lyrics sent to #bbccofolksong based around the theme of “Other World”. Several years on and we have the pleasure of sharing their video for ‘Lost’, taken from their forthcoming album ‘Breathe Shallow’ (out 31 May on Fathom Records), described as ‘An incantation of hope, loss and longing.’ ‘Breathe Shallow’ is a full-hearted expression of the band’s distinctive minimalist art-folk featuring nine new songs that map the terrain of what it is to love and lose.
For ‘Breathe Shallow’, the line-up has been augmented by bass synth and kick-drum, offsetting strings and vocal harmonies with a muscular momentum.
Written and recorded amid the reed beds and salt marshes of coastal Suffolk, in residence at Snape Maltings, the album marks the band’s return to the studio after 2015’s acclaimed ‘Skeleton Hill’. Together with legendary producer Tim Friese-Greene (Talk Talk) and engineer Joe Peet, they devised a hybrid ‘almost-live’ recording process, enabling them to distil onto tape the crisp intricacy and crystalline energy of their live sound.
With eclectic tastes and a passion for collaboration, Bea Hankey (vocals) Jack Ross (guitar, percussion, vocals) James Redwood (violin/mandolin, vocals), Sam Glazer (cello, vocals) and John Barber (piano, bass synth, gendér barung, percussion and vocals) met when working on creative music projects in East London. Their music evolved through free improvisation and the reimagining of traditional songs, to a honed songcraft of emotional directness and dazzling instrumental arrangements.
This third studio album reveals a body of work full of depth as well as an exciting sonic immediacy – a recording in which the band’s unique musical identity takes flight. Rebecca Merritt, Producer at Snape Maltings, said “I love this album. The sound is intimate and alive, and the writing sparkles with emotion. Really excited for this!”
Firefly Burning will be touring ‘Breathe Shallow’, with UK dates to be announced soon.
Firefly Burning are supported by PRS Foundation’s The Open Fund for Music Creators and the Snape Maltings Residency Programme.
https://www.fireflyburning.co.uk/