Laish - Laish
- Written by Rob Barker
When most people hear the word folk two things come to mind: beards and Mumford and Sons. However, Laish are set to change that. True, Bristol’s off kilter acoustic quintet have toured with the UK’s best known modern folk group, and their vocalist, Daniel Green, is even host to facial shrubbery, but that’s where all similarities between Laish and bog-standard folk end.
It’s clear from the band’s sound that they’re aiming to do something different with the genre, twisting harmonies and song structures into something that’s completely their own. While using traditional folk instruments, Laish still manage to inject their own unique sound, from the gentle, sombre strings of ‘To Do’ to the summery melodies of ‘Song on a Transition’, it’s clear that some real thought has gone into writing the album.
At times it seems as though Green et al are a little far of the mark, with the second track, ‘We Speak The Mantra’ conjuring feelings of the ocean with its pulsing, tidal vocals, but unfortunately this leads to a sense of aural sea-sickness.
Laish obviously have something special, managing to breathe new life into what can be a stifling genre. However, while there are some standout moments on their debut album, they still have some growing to do. This record shows that the band can find a great signature sound, all they need to do now is develop it.