Seth Lakeman’s eighth studio album is a combination of his dynamic songwriting and playing, the genius of legendary producer Ethan Johns and the sublime harmony vocals of emerging young female trio Wildwood Kin. Between them they have conjured up an epic, soulful album of compelling songs that are stripped back to their very essence...

The Broken Few is, at its heart, a good old fashioned folk album. So, if you're not a fan of folk music there's very little here for you.

Once again, Lakeman recorded the album in an interesting location. While in the past he's recorded in a church and a copper mine - the 12 (44 min, 50 sec) tracks for Ballads of the Broken Few were cut ‘live’ with an organic, acoustic vibe in the Great Hall of a Jacobean Manor House.

The setting itself makes for an interesting recording and on balance this is an enjoyable collection of songs. But, if you're not a fan of folk music then there's very little here that will make you change your view on the genre.

7

Nick Smithson