This cute band from Northampton (England, where shoe manufacturing is the big thing, not that little lesbian town in Massachusetts) is caustic, funny and so damn harmonic they're hard to put down.
Let their first full length CD, Uneven Keel, tide you over til they tour the US.
Invocal are four fabulous females from Northampton; Helen Turton, Rosie Swayne, Sarah Moloney and Rachel Duncan. This harmonious queer quartet [sic] bring together an eclectic mix of instruments including a guitar, a cello and clarinet that accompany their voices like horseradish to roast beef.
Having been sent a copy by Rosie, I took it home to listen to and really enjoyed the tracks. These ladies have an excellent ability to take everyday life and tell you a story with an acoustic accompaniment that works perfectly. Each son's style isn't led by format and there's lots of individual sparke and flair throughout the album. I felt the most accurate description of their most recent album release 'Uneven Keel' was "an eccentric, eclectic masterpiece". I honestly couldn't have put it better myself.
I do enjoy relaxing and listening to acoustic tracks so I found this album just perfect for chilling, but the thing that made this album for me was the lyrics. 'Uneven Keel' is an album that kind of bounces around and moves from up-tempo to quite slow and haunting, whilst always managing to maintain a slightly intriguing and mysterious sound. With some rather strange track names and an edge to the trackks, it's certainly very different.
'Dear Friend' is a little harsh with the lyrics, but I loved the opening sequence...it's almost like jackanory. 'Wondergirls' is what can only be described as Moloko doing an Irish jig and then the last song flies off the chart, closing the album with an interesting bhangra style chant! These ever contrasting styles and approaches which undoubtedly fit, appear throughout the girls work.The ladies defy convention in what they do, often being described as gypsy, folk and country to name but a few, I feel that the fact you can't classify them is what's good about the girl. I for one will be looking forward to hearing more from them.
Finally, I'd just like to say that I've got a good idea how they got the horse in a box! want to know more, then get hold of the album!
Five stars.
Invocal are a quirky all-girl acoustic quartet from Northampton, who produce unusual songs using vocal harmonies, acoustic guitar, cello and occasionally clarinet. The album is split almost evenly between very funny songs and darker, moodier numbers.
Half the band, including the songwriter, are lesbian and the album kicks off with two tracks dealing with this subject matter. 'As Life Dissolves' tells the story of a girl in a catholic school who is treated appallingly when she shows lesbian tendencies. It's a powerful song that gets you right in the gut. The second track 'Small Anxious Waltz' is a sweet song that focuses on the crippling awkwardness of interacting with someone you love. Take out the verse with the line "Oh mum. That's not a man.", and this song could be about any relationship.
The humorous material kicks off with 'Dear Friend'. This is truly one of the funniest songs I have heard in years. What's not to love about a song that opens with the line "Dear Friend, I've been trying to figure out exactly how to let you know that you're awful and I hate you, without hurting your feelings." The song continues along similar lines, with a mixture of spoken word and harmonious singing. At one point the song even gets interrupted by the 'friend' who wonders who the singer is talking about. The singer says she is talking about her rabbit and things carry on as usual. It is a very strange, very funny song that is absolutely wonderful.
The same technique of a song being interrupted is used on the track 'The Worst Thing I've Done This Year'. It starts out as a quirky song that tells the story of a stolen heart. Not that quirky you might think, but then it's found in a handbag. The song is then interrupted by the singers mobile phone before the final fantastic lines "When I took your heart, you asked for it back again / And I said OK I know it's here somewhere / Could not bear to say that I've already sold it on ebay"Other highlights include 'Tinnitus And Me' which tells the tale of an objectionable drug addicted friend who manages to infect other people with her tinnitus, 'Floating' which would not seem out of place as an acoustic album track from an emo band, 'Hornswoggled' which is like hearing the thesaurus for the word 'conned' turned into a bizarre political protest song and 'Madalini's Aversion To Smalltalk Had Become Really Rather Extreme' which despite having a truly great title also manages the feat of rhyming crossbow with ASBO.
This is an album full of truly great songwriting with memorable lines and dextrous wordplay aplenty. I don't usually quote lyrics in my reviews, but for this album I couldn't help myself. It's also a studio album that comes close to being like a live performance. Once you put this CD in your player it's like you've invited the four members of the band into your living room for your own personal gig.
If you like quirky, funny acoustic music you'll like this album. If you like deep, emotional acoustic music you'll like this album. If you like them both you'll absolutely love it. I know I did.
The CD is available from nettlewine.com in the UK and from cdbaby.com in the rest of the world. [I got my copy from nettlewine and the CD arrived hand packed by a band member complete with glittery hearts on the envelope. It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside...]
By Colin Gazely Ouroborous Podcast
Yes, they're acoustic lesbians [sic] but don't run screaming for the hills just yet.
This Northampton quartet boast tight, original and highly accomplished musicianship - clarinet, perfect harmonies, guitar, egg-shaker and cello.
And even when they sing angsty love songs they're lucid and quirky.
Some songs are laugh-out-loud funny.Witness the acerbic politesse of DEAR FRIEND:
"O dear friend (sigh),/ I've been trying to figure out exactly how to let you know that you're awful an I hate you/ without hurting you feelings..."
The ladies take their refined left-field spikiness on a nationwide tour from July 31st
Back to Top ^Invocal are a four-piece, all-female band from Northampton, producing an utterly unique blend of cabaret and folk.
Guitars, cellos and clarinets all see plenty of action, but the main feature is their jaw-dropping three-part harmonies.
They don't belt it out, or indulge in Toni Braxton-style vocal gymnastics; instead, their complex and often furiously fast arrangments are choreographed with the precision of Swiss engineering.
That sort of description makes Invocal sound like a novelty act, but the best thing about them is that there is substance behind the skill, and bandleader Rosie Swayne is one of the most distinctive songwriting voices I've heard for a long time.
Her barbed comedy numbers, like 'DEAR FRIEND' with its infectious chorus of 'I've been pretending that I like you and I don't', are beautifully judged, but she is even better when she takes a more bittersweet approach.
'Small Anxious Waltz' and 'AS LIFE DISSOLVES' present an almost Ray Davies-esque take on the trials of lesbian life in small-town England.
'FLOATING' has the quality of a troubled dream, while the emotional impact of a song like 'PHOTOGRAPH' can really catch you unawares, and 'WONDERGIRLS' is one of the most grudgingly charming love songs ever ('You are a weirdo / But I'm glad that you're my friend').
Everyone has probably had the experience of seeing a great live band, buying the CD, putting it on a couple of days later and finding that the magic has evaporated. Invocal are excellent live, but they've also managed to survive the recording process that so often exposes weak material or sloppy playing, and their 12-song album Uneven Keel really does them justice.
Highly recommended.
Back to Top ^Invocal, the quirky four-piece female acoustic band from Northampton, have a strong female view of the world. But what's with the rabbit?
Invocal are a four-piece female acoustic band from Northampton who formed sometime in 2003. They've released a couple of CD's but it's their newest, Uneven Keel that's grabbing the attention.
It's impossible to categorise this music and I'm inclined not to, but you readers need at least a few touchstones in order to decide whether or not you'll like this stuff, so I'll have a go.
The quote that's been following Invocal around describes them as "Dark, gypsy folk tugging from one end, and an all out West End musical tugging from the other" and it's hard to disagree with that. I'll add that they're odd and quirky, musically talented, and harmonious too.
The band have a fierce reputation as a live act and it's understandable given the theatrical nature of their songs. Sometimes the humour takes over and sometimes the songs are moving and thoughtful, but the music features themes from modern life and many of the songs have funny titles that draw you in, such as 'Madalini's Aversion to Smalltalk Had Become Really Rather Extreme.' 'Small Anxious Waltz' is the most lesbotronic track of the album, a bittersweet love song with lyrics that are as sharp and precise as the musicianship. Other stand-out songs include 'Tinnitus and Me,' which must have the only musical interpretation of the hearing impairment ever recorded.
The opening to 'Dear Friend' is also one of the funniest I've come across in a long time: "I've been trying to figure out exactly how to let you know that you're awful and I hate you, without hurting your feelings."
What makes Uneven Keel so strong is its female view of the world. Although Invocal are likely to be dumped in alongside the usual tired singer-songwriter crowd, their music is richer and more compelling.
They reminded me of The Roches, a trio of New Yorker sisters who shone briefly in the late 1970s with their song-stories about work and family, the kinds of things that you never normally hear expressed in a song. Their music also reminds me of Jonathon Richman's songwriting, the quirkiness has already been noted but it's the combination of sweetness and sadness that they've really got down to a tee.
You probably won't see this album crawling up the charts or discussed on the NME message boards, it's not that kind of thing, but it is very girly and spiky and would probably be right at home in your music collection. Listening to it reminded me of sitting with my girl friends and having a good gab about anything and everything, and that's a recommendation as good as any. What's with the rabbit on the album cover though? The notes say that he's in rehab. Yikes.
Back to Top ^I wonder if anyone out there remembers a group called Sparks. They were a quirky band that did mostly theatrical pieces more performance art than songs. Well, I've just heard a CD from England by a group called invocal and Sparks is alive and well.
Uneven Keel is a delightful CD by the all girl band, invocal. It's a little bit gypsy, a little bit theatre, a little bit curious and a lot interesting. It's kind of like walking into an old English antiques shop and looking around. All four girls play and sing in harmony and the music is anything but boring.
I found myself wishing I could see them live. There is a theatre element in their music that begs for live performance. Conversations to music, or talking as music. It's very visual, very Mummers play but not always successful. I wanted to hear something like a verse-chorus at least once. But that's just me.
Don't get me wrong. Most of the CD is great. Tinnitus and Me is delightful. I love the line - "you can't leave the sleaz!e you're buried in." It's so visual. Dear Friend, a great example of talking to music. "I've been trying to figure out exactly how to let you know that you're awful and I hate you'. You can't get much more conversational than that. Or Wondergirls - "you're a weirdo, but I'm glad you're my friend". Or Ha Ha Ha Ha - tongue twisting word play that would make Eminem proud.
This is definitely a Diva sound. These girls are very talented. It's not for everyone's taste but it's good. They are planning a tour of North America soon and I would recommend checking them out. It's a little like opening a Jack in the Box, a surprise that may startle then delight you. Worth it.
Back to Top ^Everyone's talking about them and with the release of their latest CD we were able to find out what all this Invocal fuss is about...
I have to say that I am not exactly the world's biggest acoustic fan, so when I looked at the back of the CD and saw that this four-piece all girl group comprises of vocals, clarinet, guitar and cello my heart hardly started doing back flips.
To my surprise this group is really rather good. The songs are well observed and have a refreshingly honest outlook on everyday life. Subject matters vary from the powerfully moving "Floating", a slightly eerie song describing the hurt of a failed relationship, to the more political "Hornswoggled", which quietly seethes against our government's lies about the war in Iraq. If this all sounds a bit depressing let me tell you it's not. The lyrics are warmly witty and sometimes even laugh-out-loud funny, as with "Dear Friend" an ode to trying to ditch a friend no longer liked which concludes "Just tell her to cock off" - don't try this at home folks!
Musically the group gels incredibly well and the harmonic arrangements are terrific - I'm a sucker for a good harmony and found myself singing along after one or two listens. The combination of instruments also works very well providing a warm resonating backing for the vocal arrangements.
The success of artists such as K T Tunstall clearly proves that there is an audience for acts such as these, and although Invocal are far from the commercial end of folk music the songs are both intelligent and catchy. Whilst I'm still not a subscriber to the "Folk is the new Rock'n'Roll" theory this band is certainly worth a listen.
These girls are a must-see live - check out their upcoming tour dates around the country at www.invocal.co.uk
Back to Top ^Northamptons 'wayward Acoustical Ladies' get serious
For those that don't know, Invocal are a Northampton based four piece all female acoustic band consisting of cello, guitar, clarinet and four part harmonies. Although this is their fourth CD, it is their first ever full length album, and you can tell the girls mean business this time.
Since recording their last album, the band have been hanging around in folk clubs and festivals up and down the country - this has clearly rubbed off on their new material, which has a decidedly dark folky element glimpsing through their own unmistakable style.
AS LIFE DISSOLVES is what I would describe as 'classic Invocal angst' - powerful lyrics, ridiculously complex vocal harmonies and a cello part that makes you want to weep. SMALL ANXIOUS WALTZ is a wonderfully quirky, bittersweet love song between two girls, don'tcha know.
I wondered how a studio recording of TINNITUS AND ME would go - it is my absolute favourite Invocal song. It involves flamenco guitar, gypsy cello, a buffalo drum, the sound of tinnitus (eeeeeeeeeeeeee) and an insane climactic end. When played live it is an awesome (and sometimes hilarious) spectacle and although the visual element is lost, the excitement of the song remains. DEAR FRIEND is another live favourite - a worrying message to that special someone you've been pretending to like but really don't.
GIRL is a beautiful prelude to FLOATING, which is brilliantly produced with layered cellos and vocals. It is a truly haunting piece of music.
Invocal's twisted humour returns in THE WORST THINGS I'VE DONE THIS YEAR - an infuriatingly catchy ditty that conjures up the imagery of the girls playing badminton with a human heart, for a laugh.
HORNSWOGGLED is a wonderful, jazzy, laid back song, with a poignant message (which I'm not going to get into here in case I've got it wrong!). The snappily titled MADALINI'S AVERSION TO SMALLTALK HAD BECOME REALLY RATHER EXTREME is just fabulous - it sounds like a bit like a rousing Eastern European folk song, and pokes fun at Daily Mail readers - an easy target, but very pleasing nonetheless.
PHOTOGRAPH is an anomaly for this band, as they've managed to resist adding any vocal harmonies whatsoever - it has just one vocal doubled over, and simple guitar, cello and clarinet parts - the result is just magical.
WONDERGIRLS is great 'feel good' track, that they have played live for some time - I'm glad they have recorded it.
HA HA HA HA is their super-quirky, demonic ending song, which includes drum loops and all sorts. It is a great song for the album to finish on, but I'm not sure how us Invocal puritans would feel if they starting getting handy with a drum machine more regularly - there would be riots I'm sure.
I'm sure, because I would start them. Threats of luddite themed affray aside, an honourable mention must go to Hot Rock Studio, Northampton where Uneven Keel was recorded. The album sound is superb - a slick, professional production that retains the vital raw, organic edge that makes Invocal such a popular live act
Back to Top ^The ladies' new album will keep you on the edge of your seat.
On the surface it all seems fairly innocent. Four women, classical instruments, innocuous looking album cover .. but then there are the lyrics! 'I heard a woman took to carrying a cross-bow, that way no-one was inclined to talk to her,' is the opening to Madalini's Aversion
And on Dear Friend, 'I've been trying to figure out exactly how to let you know that you're awful and I hate you, without hurting your feelings'. So knowing what I'm dealing with has got me a little sweaty at the prospect of putting a foot wrong. Though there isn't any need to be nasty, malicious or overtly rude about Invocal's latest album. Uneven Keel is part classical, part musical prose. At times it's haunting, scary and disturbing. But like a great horror movie, it's also what keeps things interesting. And amongst the chilling moments are elements of emotion and beauty that are truly amazing. This album's not mainstream. It's so leftfield it's sitting in the stands with its feet up.
In other words it's smart and laid back! For those who like something a bit different, and aren't afraid of strong women, it should be at the top of your list.
Back to Top ^