Elfin Saddle - Ringing For The Begin Again

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5...according to our Business Lady on Thu 14 May, 2009.

Elfin Saddle is the work of long time art and music collaborators Jordan McKenzie and Emi Honda and 'Ringing for the Begin Again' is their second record and first to be made available via Constellation Records. Constellation seem to be branching out a little in recent years and Elfin Saddle are a really appropriate signing for the label. The group's sound is built around the accordion and some strange trash can percussion but with 'Ringing for the Begin Again' the group have branched out to include xylophones, bells and various other textures as well as supplementing the band with Nathan Gage of Shapes and Sizes on double bass and cello. That and the beautiful combination of English and Japanese vocals makes for an enchanting record. 'Hammer Song' is particularly effective number that highlights the development of the group best, a solid rhythmic and melodic structure makes the best of John Mckenzie's off-kilter vocal style. A strange and unique hybrid folk music with something for everyone. A top record and the first I've been excited about from Constellation in some time.

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* Elfin Saddle is the musical project co-founded by Jordan McKenzie and Emi Honda. Jordan and Emi have been building a wonderful body of visual, installation and video art that combines organic living materials with found and scavenged objects to create enchanted environments of growth, slow transformation and gradual decay. Miniature examples of this work can be seen on the album cover art for this, their second record, and first for Constellation.

* Elfin Saddle’s music is gently mystical, calmly wide-eyed, and consistently guided by crystalline melodies deployed over the group’s building blocks of accordion and junkyard percussion. Jordan and Emi trade off on these instruments and on vocal duties, with Jordan singing in English and Emi in Japanese.

* Supplemented by acoustic guitar, ukulele, banjo, xylophone and bells, the result is a truly unique hybrid folk music, woven from simple, insistent instrumental elements and vocal rounds. The addition of Nathan Gage (Shapes And Sizes) on double bass and tuba creates a new anchor for these magical tunes.*Both formats come packaged in 100% recycled cardstock jackets with original artwork by the band. Also includes additional artwork and lyric sheet.

* For Fans Of : Alexander Tucker/ASMZ

* Tracklist:
1. The Bringer 2. Running Sheep 3. Hammer Song 4. Sakura 5. Muskeg Parade 6. The Living Light 7. The Procession 8. Temple Daughter 9. The Ocean

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