Tarren - Outside Time

Folk music has always tackled contemporary issues and the second album by Tarren, featuring Alex Garden on fiddle, Sid Goldsmith on cittern and concertina and Danny Pedler on accordion, makes no exception. In particular, the main themes addressed by the Bristol based folk trio in their new release Outside Time are mainly related to home, identity and togetherness.

The opening tracks are the two singles Claudia’s and Neither Maid nor Man, a lively reel in honour of a friend and a blend of three traditional songs that shed a new light on the role of gender non-conformity in the English traditional repertoire respectively.

The polyrhythmic title track and the delicate song Sunk gently accompany the listener into the central part of the album, dominated by a splendid rendition of cautionary tale Jolly Bold Robber, performed to a Norfolk tune rediscovered by Cecil Sharpe and also featuring in Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Norfolk Rhapsody no. 2. This is followed by arguably the most captivating instrumental on this release, the imaginative and lyrical Dan-y-Bont, inspired by the eponymous river in South Wales and recorded with guest star Harriet Riley on marimba.

The album closes with a memorable rendition of traditional ballad Spencer the Rover and Goldsmith’s newly composed tune Wanting for Nothing, a serene and heartfelt cittern-led tribute to friendship.

This close-knit trio’s trademark sound has not changed, it relies on traditional forms of dance music, but juxtaposed elements of minimalist, chamber and cinematic music contribute to craft a unique and recognisable style. Since their debut album Revel, their musicianship and artistic identity have grown stronger, leading to an even more dynamic and fresh approach to old and new material.

The fact there is more space for songs than in their previous work does not overshadow the exceptional array of instrumental talent Tarren can display, as evident from the variety of zestful and bouncy tunes they gathered for this album. Pleasantly intricate, traditional and adventurous at the same time, thoughtful and yet instinctive, Outside Time conveys the joyful energy of their live performances and shows why Tarren are one of the most exciting names on the folk scene.