Reviews

Meanwhile back in our green and pleasant land, what can we conjure? Answer, Warblefly, an agreeably scruffy bunch of herberts. Levellers type aggression, Pogues cheek and drinking potential, yet an anchor in the tradition that makes them an effective bridge between those who like to drink, party and dance and those who like more decorum and something structured to hang their jollies on....Warblefly are mischievous, a kick in the pants and very welcome. (to read the whole thing you'll have to buy the magazine from here).

Although their third release, this is my introduction to this British folk-rock band. For someone who’s written almost exclusively about folk-rock on the world stage for the past several years, I must admit to being pleased to have finally heard this band, while at the same time, chagrinned for having not heard them sooner. Warblefly shoots out of the starter blocks in fine form >>> read more at Shite'n'Onions....

A delightful surprise next, Warblefly a nine-piece bunch of madcaps from Cambridge and Reading whose style is best described as "energy-charged folk music". With a line-up which included squeezebox, mandolin, tin whistle, bodhran, electric guitars and drums, their style is best described by their own publicity, "souped-up trad standards - from Celtic to Texmex with a low-tech earthy nod to the current electro-folk movement". The infectious rhythms and, at times, almost Pogueish style of playing was irresistible and this is definitely a band you should try to catch.

As eclectic as they wanna be, but still clearly flying the banner known as Celtic, Warblefly impress with their second album, “The Sinful, Wise and Insane.” Their press release describes them as “too folky for the indie circuit and too groovy for the folk circuit” and it seems an apt description. Not “punk” by any means, but still too fast and aggressive for the stuffy folkies (or so I’d imagine.) >>> read more....

The venereable Folk Roots magazine were kind enough to write something about us. It went something like:

"What they do, they do with some precision... and if the songwriters amongst them ever notice that there's more to life than alcohol and its after effects then who knows?"

Well, that's not too bad, is it?
If you have been affected by issues raised in this review, these links may prove useful:
Guinness, Famous Grouse, Alka Seltzer, Alcoholics Anonymous,

Making my way to Oxford on a chilly November evening, I met up with FOS's own Sumo and his cohorts in warblefly. Sharing a few pints with the boys and girls in the band, I was asked several times by incredulous band members "you came back for more?" Of course I did. I needed my fill of fast and furious folk, tradpunk, or whatever you would care to label it, and warblefly fit the bill admirably. Starting off with "The Rebel Soldier," a tune written by the band, warblefly soon had the crowd on their feet in front of the stage. Playing a blend of traditional songs, Warbelfly originals and the odd Pogues cover (Boys from the County Hell), the band delivered a good kicking to folk music, playing it as it should be played - loud, fast and fun. Despite their rather annoying habit of scheduling gigs whenever Shane happens to be playing (and this show turned out to be no exception), warblefly is well worth the price of admission - well, at least if Adrian puts you on the guest list. Nah, I would have paid the £3 to see 'em anyway. I already told Adrian I want a warblefly CD for Christmas (hint, hint).

It's easy to disregard folk music and its ideals; as it is any plea for help. Close my eyes and it will go away, it doesn't concern me. But when it comes down to it everyone has at some time remonstrated in one form or another. warblefly do just that...and more. With a strum of a bouzouki, the squeeze of a mellodeon, and the toe-tapping, cock-a-hoop air of a fiddle (as well as a plethora of other gadgets), they intermingle the sensation of liberty with an assured nod to reform. A welcome change from too many nights spent watching pompous acts with their tedious arrogance.

Boasting nine members, warblefly are here for you as much as for themselves. And when on the few occasions they do veer along that path signposted 'Hippy Excess', it's not for long, preferring instead to borrow fragments from the Pogues, Levellers and traditional Celtic folk. Their commitment and radiant spirit touches everyone around them, and the floor is soon quaking under the weight of the crowd's unabashed gaiety, compelled to throw off their shackles and hop on the revolution bus.

This is an excellent debut offering from British folk 9 piece warblefly, and can be best described as a mix of The Pogues, Levellers and Saw Doctors. The CD has the perfect mix of their own penned tracks and traditional arrangements. Considering the band are as yet unsigned the CD is well produced and very well put together and would put a lot mainstream stuff to shame in terms of production. I would personally recommend this to anyone and can guarantee you won't be disappointed. If your feet don't start tapping to this then you are quite clearly dead!