Awash in raw-boned spontaneity Oxford-based combo, Francis Pugh and the Whisky Singers bring a little of a Pogues-esque feel to the table as they combine folk, country and bluegrass with much enthusiasm, while on occasions they may be a little off the mark by way of lack of slickness etc but they do posses a genuine love and understanding of the musical influences drawn. They have a great deal of fun performing it too.
Though only 4 tracks featured on the EP, James Robson (lead vocals, guitar), Kurt Hamilton (banjo, vocals), Tin Corston (cornet, harmonica, vocals), Chris Fulton (fiddle, vocals), David Griffiths (ukelele, bass, vocals) and Jacob Maddams (drums, cajon) show and establish enough of a sound imitable of their wares to suggest there is plenty in the pot, and likely to develop and come from them. Of the songs, two are homespun, the title-track “A Place Back West” which appears twice, the second occasion as a radio edit and loose and ready for action “You can't Fix A Heart That's been Broken”. The fourth cut is a vibrant bluegrass styled cover of Hank Williams’ classic “I Saw The Light” as no fear of the reputation of the song or of those to come before them is shown as they leave their own impression on it. Solid though the harmony vocals are, and fine the lead vocals it is the combination of banjo and cornet that have rarely sounded so good together that often as not caught my attention; to give it an innovative and well put across sound.
Maurice Hope