Wednesday 15 January 2020

Songs From Wasties Orchard - MAGNA CARTA***

The Bridge At Knaresborough Town/White Snow Dove/Parliament Hill/Wayfarin'/Down Along Up/Country Jam/Time For The Leaving/Isle Of Skye/Sponge/Sunday On The River/Good Morning Sun/Home Groan

Songs From Wasties Orchard was the third album release from the London progressive band Magna Carta. In addition to acoustic and electric guitar their music featured mandolin, sitar, harpsichord and cymbals.

“Consisting of a dozen tracks Songs From Wasties Orchard may have lost the vestiges of dabbling with progressive music, but on the other hand it is a portrait of a band fighting to find a voice and style.”

“Pastoral songs such as Isle Of Skye and The Bridge At Knaresborough Town are based on gorgeous melodies supported by arpeggiated guitars and mandolins, chiming embellishments of pedal steel guitar, bells or celeste, chirping flutes, gentle percussions, with some occasional droning bowed-bass or sitar ornamentations and glossy vocal harmonies.”

“This album doesn't come close to living up to the immense promise of the first song, which features very tasteful and well integrated use of sitar alongside standard English folk lyrics in an interesting juxtaposition. After a few autumnal downers, Country Jam and the rest come off as just folk-rock that rollicks along monotonously.”

“A pleasant, dreamy folksy collection of songs. Time For The Leaving is the stand out track, full of pained nostalgia and regret.”

“Most of the songs are really pleasant but short in duration. Some great acoustic guitar and even a bit of sitar thrown in on the first track for good measure.”

“A beautifully constructed album. Magna Carta were one of those rare groups that were hardly noticed except by those who appreciate their lovely instrumentals and harmonies.”

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