Castanets - 'In The Vines' (Asthmatic Kitty) Released 29/10/07

Whether it is for music sales or simply for ease, there is a worrying trend of very ‘safe’ musicians at the moment. Thank goodness that in this era of clone-a-band releases there are still musicians ready to push the boundaries. Castanets are certainly one. This loose and continually altering collective of musicians, centred around singer Ray Raposa. Together they blend traditional folk and country with modern technology. And the results are surprisingly good.

For what has come out of this, the third release from Castanets, is as the sonic collision of Johnny Cash and Josh Homme’s dessert sessions would be – as much traditional as it is modern. And Castanets prove they are masters of both. ‘Westbound, Blue’ is only one reward for those looking for a more traditional take on the country- folk cross over. Yet personally ‘In The Vine’. Yet it’s the less traditional approaches that are the more meaningful and enjoyable. Through use of feedback and delay, Castanets have created a whole new direction - the sonic equivalent of hillbillies discovering electricity. Taking folk and country songs to a near shoe-gaze experimentalism, ‘Rain Will Come’ is as an opener acts as a statement of intent, progressing from a simplistic ballad to a mind-melting spacey-ness.

Castanets are true masters of their art, knowing how to use modern instrumentation as much to frame their beautiful cacophony as to make it. The lo-fi drum machine sits in controlling position above the warbling guitar of ‘And the Swimming’, giving a human pulse to it. With all experimentalism however there remains a simplicity to these songs. As bluesy and touching as ‘The Night Is When You Can’t See’ is, it’s still a title that could be part of yokel kindergarten education. Yet such touches have their value in indicating respect no matter how far this band experiment, they are always in part connected to their roots.

It’s one downside is that ‘In The Vines’ is the type of album that is better played in its entirety, as few tracks really stand out above the rest. Yet the high standard of this album makes this a burden worth bearing. Easy going and very enjoyable, is definitely worth delving into as a genre-hopping delight.