Reviews

Horses Brawl ****
Album review By Brian Gaudet
Eastern Daily Press 11.11.2005

"One of the most impressive "local" albums in a long time showcasing the talents of this young Norfolk instrumental trio. Horses Brawl have gained a growing reputation on the Norfolk folk and acoustic circuit for a few years now. Laura Cannell (recorders, fiddle and crumhorns), Adrian Lever (guitars) and Jonathan Manton (cello) all feature here as star performers on an impressive, and highly enjoyable, selection of tunes. They range over 700 years of European dancing with tunes from medieval France, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy and Romania. The tunes vary from being brisk and breezy to slow and seductive. Perhaps only the traditional Elizabethan Jig, Bear Dance and Northern Frisk may be familiar to English ears, but this set proves the value of cross-channel cultural mix. A band well worth catching live or on CD."

Quick quotes

"It's great stuff.....an early music group to keepan eye on"
BBC RADIO 3

"Foot-tapping folk rhythms and baroque ornamentation".
THE TELEGRAPH

"Highly experimental, technically wonderful....a fantastic and vibrant performance"
TRADITION Magazine

"Deeply entwined in the sound of medieval and traditional folk, Horses Brawl are giving a 21st century makeover to the dance music of the past"
BBC Norfolk

"Horses Brawl's music is vibrant, engaging and completely spellbinding.....I love it, one of the most exciting bands around"
Steafan Hannigan

"A fascinating progression from formal dance music to semi-improvisation that had the packed audience roaring for more"
fROOTs FORUM Album launch review