ONE MILE AN HOUR —ONE MILE AN HOUR (Snowbird Records)

[Maurice Hope]

 

www.onemileanhour.com

 

 

One Mile An Hour are an eclectic folk British three piece fronted by vocalist Jeff Kightly who on this their debut, have a product way and above all expectations.

 

Awash in subtle, effective hues the band share not only imagery of England’s south coast and the sea they overlooked while recording the album but Norway and Finland. Of which they have studied in depth, both the respective landscapes and Tove Jansson’s ‘The Summer Book’ —references of which can be found in the excellent piece, ‘Trouble Roots’. As Kightly’s husky tones weave a magical feel to ensnare the attention of the listener, and from that point on they are inquisitive of what follows. Aided by a mystical, rambling instrumental background he speaks of turning his hand to the plough and of baking bread on a fire made of wood from the trees. Most evocative, it is undoubtedly the trio’s finest hour.

 

On utilising electric guitars, percussion and wistful sounding vocal harmonies the album is more like one whole unit rather than ten songs placed side by side. So tightly woven and thought out are the band’s arrangements. Talking of which ‘Your On The Beach’ with its alternating chord changes and sparks of energy is a treat in itself. Others is check out include the instrumental ‘Freight Train’ another of the same ilk is closer ‘Nine Eight’ (a live track) that seems to go on forever though no better for the fact. A little editing and it could that seen the boy's debut record of in a flourish.

 

                                                          Maurice Hope