Fish Out of Water — The Hares on A Mountain

Fish Out of Water are a folk rock group from Bournemouth, fronted by vocalist Marie Green. They play a style of music largely influenced by the likes of Fairport Convention, or Steeleye Span in that they take traditional material and update it for the times. The Hares on A Mountain E.P. is the band’s second release following their debut album Carp Diem, the E.P. is released on Talking Elephant Records.

Opening track "Hares on A Mountain", is a like a breath of fresh air. Whilst the influence of Fairport etc is evident, it sounds contemporary and fresh. Fish Out of Water have captured the essence of classic traditional music, and updated it for a modern world. For a song that dates back to the 19th century it has what all great songs have, it sounds timeless in any arrangement.

The following track "Jacky My Son" is a song that will be familiar to many folk fans, there is a beautiful version, (Lord Randal) under a different name on the Witches of Elswick’s debut album Out of Bed and this version competes well. Marie Green’s vocals provide the focal point around which everything seems to build and develop. The track features some outstanding guitar work. The inclusion of some screamed male vocals feels a little misplaced towards the end of the track, but overall this is a super update of a classic folk song.

"Lower Thy Crown" is up next. Opening up as a gentle folk number with some lilting guitar and fey vocals before heavier guitar crashes in albeit briefly for the chorus. In its heavier moments one is reminded of the work of British/Canadian songstress Sass Jordan. Green’s vocals and some outstanding guitar work are again at the forefront, however the whole band sound tight and the performances are excellent across the board. Once again towards the end of the song there are some rather bizarre rough male vocals that feel out of place.

"Cold Haily Windy Night" is the final track on the E.P. A great version of the song, that works best when Green is on vocal duties. The male vocals again seem out of place, they seem completely at odds with Green’s beautiful warm voice.

Overall the band have adapted some classic traditional material seamlessly to a contemporary setting and with veritable success, Marie Green’s voice is both sweet and mature sounding, something so wonderful to hear in someone so young, and the band are excellent. My two main complaints are negligible, the first is that some of the male vocals seem at odds with the material and the second is that it’s just too short. It left me wanting more. I look forward to hearing a second full length album in the future and will dig out their debut release for a listen.