EP: “The Fellowship of The Craic” by Black Water County

Fuelled by influences like The Pogues, Dropkick Murphy’s, The Men They Couldn’t Hang, Flogging Molly and of course Guinness; Black Water County have been performing energetic gigs at a host of festivals and public houses for a couple of years now, impressing all drunk and sober fans alike. Their brand new; all original, five track EP takes in their great sense of fun with “Carry On Film” style innuendo’s a plenty. This is certainly not a CD for the prudes or the faint hearted. Mary Whitehouse if she was still alive would have had it banned by now

The EP from the Bournemouth now six piece shows massive improvements in all areas from previous efforts. As the band gain further momentum after two years together the chemistry between them gets much tighter as does the music. Here you will find some great vocal performances from Tim and Shan who have both made great strides to deliver something quite special. There is also some great musical expertise from the multi-talented Gavin Coles on Banjo and Mandolin, along with the introduction of ex “Walk the Night” guitarist Andy Smooth.

The EP starts off gently with the slow paced “Roving Man” with duel vocals sung over gentle acoustic guitars and Tin Whistle. Without a moment to catch your breath “The Parsonís Daughter” hits you head on with a barrage of banjo and the well delivered, fast vocals. “The Ballad of Ramblin’ Johnny” and “Brandy” keep up speedy momentum with more fine music that keeps your feet tapping right until the end.

The crowning glory of this release is “All the Pubs”, a song that the band have thoroughly researched. The clever hook “All the Pubs in Wimborne” and the infectious tin whistle reels you in after the first listen-and be warned, you will be singing it in your head all day. The band run through the extensive list of pubs in Wimborne giving you all the benefit of their knowledge about each one. I suppose this could be adapted with further research to take in other areas that they perform in.

The final track is a “mandolin fest” featuring the blistering pace of Gavin, who excels here with a jig that will have you up dancing right until the end. Black Water County are a great band who cause chaos and disruption wherever they perform with their now legendary, extremely energetic live shows. The band who must be deemed as “Landlord’s Saviour” have brought together a piece of work here that they can all be very proud of. Music that makes you laugh, smile and dance all at the same time-and that is a rarity these days.

Track Listing
Roving Man
The Parson’s Daughter
The Ballad of Ramblin’ Johnny
Brandy
All The Pubs
The Leaky Barrel Jig

With Christmas just around the corner the band are for certain to be performing their cover of The Pogues and Kirsty McColl classic “Fairytale Of New York”, check out their video;

Line Up
Tim Harris – Lead Vocals & Bass Guitar
Shan Byrom – Lead Vocals, Tin Whistle & Guinness Distribution
Gavin Coles – Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Bradley Hutchings – Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Andy L Smooth – Drums & Percussion, Backing Vocals
Russell Scagell – Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals

Links
http://www.blackwatercounty.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/BlackWaterCounty

Bookings & info: blackwatercounty@hotmail.co.uk

Words By Dave “I’ve got a big Craic” Chinery (Chinners).