Search - Robin & Barry Dransfield, Robin Dransfield & Barry :: Up to Now

Five stars at least!

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 10/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Despite the lamentably garish cover art, this 2-CD set is a real find for the devoted English folk fan, covering the lengthy careers -- as a pair and as solo acts -- of this talented, innovative sibling duo. Yorkshire-born, the Dransfields came up through the local folk club scene of the mid-1960s, but didn't record under their own names until 1970, which is where this sweeping anthology begins. The Dransfield brothers easily fall under that cherished Brit-folk category, "perhaps not for everyone..." But once you get in on their wavelength, their music continuously reveals new depth and textures, drawing you hypnotically into their web. Paralleling the experimentalism of the Incredible String Band, the Dransfields brought an oddly askew, modern, rock-informed touch to their work, very much colored by the psychedelic-poetic conventions of the era. The material varies over time, some of it strictly traditional, though mostly it's original music penned by one or another of the brothers. What's compelling throughout is the instrumental work -- inventive, labyrinthine fiddle and guitar playing that exudes an in-the-moment intensity in practically every note. Likewise, their keening, Northern English vocals show the same absorption in their art: none of this sounds by-the-numbers or blandly professional, and for fans who look for artistic passion in their music, this is a goldmine. I kept expecting the eventual abrupt turn towards horrid, synth-laden pop crossovers, but it never rears its ugly head on this well-selected, intelligently programmed anthology. Although practically all the original albums are hopelessly out of print, this double disc set is generously packed with compelling tunes. Highly recommended."