Reviewed by Steve Best

Hailing from Nelson in Lancashire, Branches are perhaps best described as a six-piece folk pop band. This album contains 13 fairly gentle workouts, which bring back memories of the Fisherfolk at times. They clearly have an affinity with the prevalent industry of the early 20th century and before in that part of the world. "At The Age Of Fourteen" follows a young girl who goes to work in a cotton mill and then perfects her skills as a weaver but, we are told, never lost her way since "Faith was her foundation stone." Tracks such as "Incarnation" (concerned with, well, just that), and "The Light Of Your Love" are melodic and pleasant and if you like your music quiet, reflective and uncomplicated then this release will be right up your street, especially if you feel frustrated by today's impenetrable modern song styles. Simple, uncluttered and, much like the region from which it has been birthed, straightforward.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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