Ian Roland & The Subtown Set are songwriter and guitarist, Ian Roland, joined by Simon Yapp, on violin and Jade Woodhouse, on cello. The Sussex trio released ‘Double Rainbow’ at the end of February. It was recorded at Airtight Studios (Manchester) with producer Nigel Stonier (Thea Gilmore, The Waterboys, Joan Baez) and, with Simon Yapp Subtown Studios, in Brighton.
Image & artwork supplied by Sonic PR
‘Double Rainbow’ is steeped in folk and warming orchestration. At times traditional roots and at others, it spreads it wings to a more pop friendly realm. The latter, can be seen on ‘Searchlight’, ‘Human Too’ and ‘Day Become You’. The first two, whilst pleasant, never really land any real memorable moments. ‘Day Became You’ though, is an instant classic. If The Housemartins had formed in an idyllic forest, this unshackled sauntering pop gem would surely have been the outcome.
Of the more traditional folk moments, ‘Butterfly’ and The Valley’ are the standouts. The former, a quaint tale of park walks in London with Roland’s children and, tree climbing in Lewisham as a child. The gradual build to the climax is delivered with a poise to rouse the spirits in these bleak times. Meanwhile, ‘The Valley’, has the earnest and heart-warming orchestration of Johnny Flynn’s classic ‘Been Listening’.
Title track ‘Double Rainbow’ and ‘Shooting Star’, find a sweet spot between the two styles. ‘Double Rainbow’, vocally, nestles in alongside the charm of Christy Moore whilst, musically, it searches, reaches for something bigger than the sum of its part.
On ‘Shooting Star', Roland finds a sense of romanticism that will renew your faith in humanity. For five minutes, you are transported to a world of rural charm akin to Mackenzie Crook’s reimagining of Worzel Gummage. Roland’s vocals are hushed and delicate, the perfect accompaniment to the frosty yet spritely acoustic guitars.
Roland and co have set their lasers to charm and overall, not disappointed. In a time of health crisis, this is an album of charm to replenish the soul with.