Lunatraktors – The Missing Star
Independent – 21 June 2021
The Lunatraktors‘ sleeve notes set out the state of play clearly. The Missing Star is a “report on the Sad State of the British Isles, under the Oppressive Rule of Thieves and Liars these many Ages, and lately under the Sway of Contemptuous Fools Left Wing, Right Wing, both best forgotten; the entire Golden Goose is rotten”.
Opening ‘Rigs of the Time’ cleverly takes the traditional song, but updates the lyrics to include mentions of Brexit, Facebook, even Covid-19. It’s a potent criticism of the current government. And it works. Worryingly, the subject highlights that little has changed since the early 1800s when ‘Rigs of the Times’ was first written. It’s a prescient rewrite and delivered with a clear, pounding rage by Carli Jefferson and Clair Le Couteur.
There is a definite element of theatre inherent in Lunatraktors, with tinges of cabaret, punk and even a little Punch-and-Judy / Music Hall vibe in their performance. Hand drumming, clogs, melodica, and harmonium feature heavily in a recording that plays with expectations and takes the listener down some intriguing and unexpected paths.
Despite the inherent seriousness of the album, there are several curious and fun touches here too. The gentle buzz of ‘My Witch’ was inspired by the experience of humming to a Sonicare toothbrush. It’s an eerie rendition of a verse by Nicholas Breton and an entirely melancholy little track. In addition, not all songs are traditional. Leonard Cohen features here, with an effective cover of ‘Lover, Lover, Lover’, complete with a fine string arrangement by Geoffrey Richardson.
Producer Julian Whitfield provides some moody double bass on ‘Unquiet Grave’, a track that adapts two traditional songs in a crushing comment on the Conservative’s policy of Austerity. The ire is palpable, and deservedly so. That same anger can be heard in ‘The Exciseman’, an interpretation of the English ballad. It’s a darkly playful, satirical interpretation, one that deserves to be seen performed live.
‘Mirie It Is (Anemoia)’ adapts the early 1200s song in a brief track that plays with choral singing before heading into a rather abstract, and deliberately unsettling instrumental. It’s an effective combination. ‘Drone Code’ is another instrumental, designed for a Korg Monologue analogue synth and singing bowl. A hypnotic little performance piece that provides a needed cleanser between the wrathful title track and the rather sweet ‘The Keening’. The latter is a beautifully rendered mourning song. It further demonstrates Lunatraktors’ knowledge and reverence for the process and development of traditional song.
‘The Blacksmith’ is a thoroughly sincere interpretation of the traditional song. Simply, and effectively, performed solely by Carli and Clair’s voices. It works incredibly well. The same can be said of closer ‘Ecclesiastes 1.1-18’, a compelling, haunting, and thought-provoking conclusion to an equally thought-provoking album.
Title track ‘The Missing Star’ is certainly the most formidable and angriest track. A protest song adapted from Conservative and Brexit Party speeches from 2020 its message delivered with a just fury by the duo. The words placed in this context reinforce the disturbing content of the original messages.
The Missing Star, at times, may not be an easy listen. Recorded before recent revelations relating to central figures in our Government it is maddening to see how little has changed. There is beauty here too though, and it is a recording that will linger in your thoughts. A powerful comment on the politics of our day, it deserves a wider listen, and I for one, would love to see this performed live. A timely recording. We need this.
The Missing Star is out on 21 June 2021
Also, find out more and join their Moonclub Luna Community on Bandcamp: https://lunatraktors.bandcamp.com/moonclub