Beth Porter is probably best known for being one half of the prolific and novel duo, The Bookshop Band, and for Lost Words Spell Songs, a collaboration with Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Kris Drever, Rachel Newton, Seckou Keita and Jim Molyneux inspired by The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris.
She is also a member of Marshes, the new incarnation of Beth Porter and the Availables whose quirky and ethereal Chamber-Pop creations ensnare the senses. Sounding both original and strangely familiar…something that is not lost on its creators whose press pretty much nails it with this description:
Imagine Joanna Newsome goes to Nashville and writes a song with Anne Briggs and David Byrne from Talking Heads. This song also brings to mind Richard Thompson and a 70s folk-rock vibe. Marshes have also been likened to Feist, REM, Lisa Hannigan, This Is The Kit, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Radiohead and The Incredible String Band!
You can hear, and see, the evidence for yourself in their latest video for the title track of their debut album ‘When the Lights are Bright‘. The video is shot by Martin Tompkins and is set between a stark and seemingly desolate marsh, and a night scene above a city with bright lights. The song is about the push and pull of being on the road and in the spotlight as an artist and wanting to lead a normal life at home. It is clearly a struggle to be both these characters at the same time.
The song has a persistent beat but in a classic Beth style changes time signature throughout. It has a folky riff backed by a pop band. It is produced by Bristol guitarist Luke Cawthra and features other talented musicians from the South West including Jools Scott, Sue Lord, Pete Gibbs and Paul MacMahon who are long term collaborators with Beth. Ben Please also makes a guest appearance. The song is led by Beth’s pure and unaffected voice and is built around her unique cello-led song-writing.
There will be an acoustic single release on 11th December, but before then, don’t miss their Live online gig on youtube this Friday, 4th December here.
Order When the Lights are Bright via Bandcamp: https://marshesmusic.bandcamp.com/releases