Charm Of Finches - Marlinchen In The Snow 
Release Date: Out Now
This might be the fourth album from Australian sisters Charm of Finches but it's the first I've had the pleasure of listening to so please forgive me if you're longer term fans but this is a new and magical world for me. 'Marlinchen In The Snow' has been released ahead of a pretty extensive tour of the UK so now is the time to get on board if you're not already involved. The duo kick off this collection with 'Clean Cut', a moody and pulsating alt-folk song that puts me in mind of Wildwood Kin due to the sparse instrumentation but powerful vocal harmonies. 'Atlantis' hangs off a simple piano melody for a more mellow, almost somber affair while 'On My Own' calls from beyond the sea mist before bringing life in to sharp focus with an 80s beat and synth combo.
The intricate plucking of 'Leave It All Behind' weaves a delicate magic over the listener but 'If You Know Me' is a steelier and more quietly determined piece with the added layer of Sam Bentley guesting on vocals. By now you should be luxuriating in the rich and warm soundscapes created on this album but if you've been resisting then 'Temporary Home' will surely drag you under with it's First Aid Kit meets Noah Gundersen vibes. Similarly, 'Middle Of Your Mess' will envelope you in country charm and dreamy vocal harmonies while 'Human' will have you yearning for the one that got away as the shimmering guitars transport you back in time.
The mood is lightened on 'Bend and Break' but there's still an undertone of sadness in the piano melodies before penultimate and title track 'Marlinchen in the Snow' creates a cold and sparse world with just rippling guitar notes and haunting harmonies echoing from a desolate cave deep in the woods. The album closes out with 'In The Dark', full of string stabs and scattered bleeps to send us on our merry way with a flicker of hope in our hearts. Charm Of Finches possess oodles of natural ability but, most importantly, they have clearly mastered how to get the very best out of that talent and it really shows on this album so I'd get yourself some tickets to the nearest live show if you have the time and the means. You won't be disappointed.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/charmoffinchesband
Live Dates:
5/22 Glad Café, Glasgow
5/23-5/26 Orkney Folk Festival
6/6 St Mary's, Chester
6/7 Live Room, Saltaire
6/8 The Greystones, Sheffield
6/9 The Hive, Shrewsbury
6/10 Temperance, Leamington Spa (sold out)
6/11 Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath
6/13 Exeter Phoenix, Exeter
6/14 Bristol Folkhouse, Bristol
6/17 Whitstable Sessions, Whitstable
6/18 The Fleece Inn Barn, Evesham
6/19 King's Arm, Manchester
6/20 The Lexington, London
6/21 Ace Space, Newbury
6/22 Pound Arts, Corsham
6/23 The Folklore Rooms, Brighton
7/4-7/7 Gate To Southwell Festival, Nottinghamshire
8/9-8/10 The Magpies Festival, York