Another sonic missive from the wonder that is The Golden Lion - the Calder Valley's premium hub for gigs, Thai food, local beers, alternative club nights and, of course, BRILLIANT RECORDS.
We find the label sixteen releases deep, traversing the sonic cosmos with all the intrepid dexterity of Alfred Wainwright. We've had new disco, dub, folk, noise, indie - pretty much every known crevice of the modern music landscape has been humbly explored by artists not afraid to cross the streams.
This latest 7" is quite different to what's come before it - 'A double A-side 7" featuring Beans on Toast and Commoners Choir. This one is a little different to the others. It is a celebration of our valley & the North of England - the landscape, the people, the language & the history.'
On side A, Beans On Toast delivers a hugely reverential ode to Todmorden, and particularly The Golden Lion - mentioning UFOs, fairies and the local folklore along the way; before settling on the friendly welcome received inside the now world famous boozer. It's a sincere and heartfelt tribute which, if the author wasn't from further afield, might seem slightly inflated and self-indulgent, but for Essex-based Jay McAllister these are genuine words of admiration and respect.
Commoners Choir meet in Leeds and sing songs 'about the world immediately around us, about inequality, hope, and tory politicians'. "True North" sees them muse about historic northern grit and its influence on factories, mills, cities and fearless exploration. It's a rousing piece that should warm the heart of any True Northerner!
Whilst squarely aimed at the local clientele of the Calder Valley and its surroundings, the 7" is also a brilliant example of modern folk and choral music and as usual, proudly flies the flag of independence from this influential cultural beacon.
We find the label sixteen releases deep, traversing the sonic cosmos with all the intrepid dexterity of Alfred Wainwright. We've had new disco, dub, folk, noise, indie - pretty much every known crevice of the modern music landscape has been humbly explored by artists not afraid to cross the streams.
This latest 7" is quite different to what's come before it - 'A double A-side 7" featuring Beans on Toast and Commoners Choir. This one is a little different to the others. It is a celebration of our valley & the North of England - the landscape, the people, the language & the history.'
On side A, Beans On Toast delivers a hugely reverential ode to Todmorden, and particularly The Golden Lion - mentioning UFOs, fairies and the local folklore along the way; before settling on the friendly welcome received inside the now world famous boozer. It's a sincere and heartfelt tribute which, if the author wasn't from further afield, might seem slightly inflated and self-indulgent, but for Essex-based Jay McAllister these are genuine words of admiration and respect.
Commoners Choir meet in Leeds and sing songs 'about the world immediately around us, about inequality, hope, and tory politicians'. "True North" sees them muse about historic northern grit and its influence on factories, mills, cities and fearless exploration. It's a rousing piece that should warm the heart of any True Northerner!
Whilst squarely aimed at the local clientele of the Calder Valley and its surroundings, the 7" is also a brilliant example of modern folk and choral music and as usual, proudly flies the flag of independence from this influential cultural beacon.
STAFF COMMENTS
Matt says: A Leeds choir and an Essex troubadour both sing the praises of the north west and the 'Lion on the latest GLS 7".TRACK LISTING
A. Beans On Toast - The Golden Lion
B. Commoners Choir - True North