COMMON CULTURE
It’s Going To Work Out
Being as fond as we are of uplifting folk rock it didn’t take us long to fall in love with Common Culture. Only two years after coming together it would seem others feel the same way too, as they appear on numerous festival bills and attract some stellar names into their orbit and onto their recordings.
Driven by the songs of Danielle and Lizzie Watson, there is a positive feel to all they do, despite dealing with some difficult subjects, representative of both their experiences and genuine concern (Lizzie in particular has undertaken a PhD combining music and dementia) , so explorations of anxiety and depression take their place alongside songs of the intricacies of relationships, as well as more affirmative songs such as title track ‘It’s Gonna Work Out’, which does what it says in the name and reflects the overall feel of the 11 song collection. The dual songwriting team tend to contribute individually, albeit with occasional collaboration. This is reflected in the delivery itself, with the male and female voices alternating the lead vocal across the track listing, adding a further dynamic and interest, along with the positive feel of the album.
Let’s not forget the overall music interest which, as referenced earlier features the likes of guitar and banjo maestro Ron Bloack, a core member of Alison Krauss’ band, and unsurprisingly to those who know, he is joined by his frequent UK oppo and notable member of the Barnsley musical mafia, Damian O’Kane.
Whilst the dynamic duo of Lizzie and Daniel provide a focal point for the band alongside the writing duties, there is a power behind them. Drummer Chris Reid is a veteran of many styles but his metal and punk origins are not lost here and with Evie Ridge alongside on bass the foundations for the guitar, fiddle and vocals that drive the band, as well as Evie lending her voice to the three-part harmonies, another uplifting feature alongside making things as tight and secure as anyone would wish. Lest we forget, there are keyboard contributions from Rich Spence, and Cat(riona) Fraser chips in with some backing vocals.
Speaking as we were of the Barnsley massive, the band is a long way from Daniel‘s long stent in the Bar Steward Sons of Val Doonican, but just as they have become a well favoured fixture on the festival scene, his tank top days maybe behind him but on this showing Common Culture will also become a popular feature in fields and marquees wherever positive vibes of the folk rock nature are required.
It’s Going To Work Out