Seth Lakeman presented himself with the album Kitty Jay (2005) as the young dog of British folk. It earned him a Mercury Prize nomination and a lot of media attention. Ever since, he has been trying to live up to the high expectations raised with an admirable work ethic. Freedom Fields is his third album in three years and, although the biggest surprise is off, he still sounds extremely inspired.
Hypnotic fiddles, driving acoustic guitars and passionate vocals show that folk still has the right to exist in 2007, all the more because the production meets all modern requirements. Lakeman's textual approach is unique, in both the traditionals and his own compositions. Ancient themes such as shipwrecks, witches, mining disasters, snow storms and the English Civil War appeal to the imagination. Freedom Fields is such a rare album that you have to listen with the CD booklet in hand. (MS)more
