Low Countries - The Failing of the Strains

by Dixie Ernill

published: 10 / 1 / 2009

Low Countries - The Failing of the Strains

Label: Nub Records
Format: CD

Latest album from Lancaster-based folk group the Low Countries, who taking 'The Wicker Man' film as their inspiration, have come up with something that, while not matching up to that soundtrack, is unnerving and eerie as well as ultimately charming

Review

My favourite film is 'The Wicker Man' (the original, not that piss poor Nicolas Cage remake). It has everything – a great script, an ending to die for (pun intended), wonderful performances from Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee, Britt Ekland’s naked dance during the seduction scene and the beguiling soundtrack. As a result, I am drawn to any band releasing an LP of music inspired by the film. Candidate released one such record a few years back entitled ‘Nuada’ and, whilst it was a decent effort, it fell short of fully capturing unnerving feel of the film. Lancaster’s the Low Countries make a similar stab, but also fall short, so it’s probably only fair that I review ‘The Failing Of The Strains’ as a merely a folk tinged record without further reference to a film I hold in such high regard. Highlight of the album is 'Nature Nuture', an infectious sea-shanty that brilliantly showcases the vocal interplay of Nigel Parrington and Els D’hooge. It’s a tried and tested formula that serves the group well throughout the record, but while most songs have a traditional flavour to them, this is very much a contemporary body of work. I said I wouldn’t refer back to 'The Wicker Man', but in one of Christopher Lee’s key dialogues in the film he explains why a sacrifice is necessary “….before the Wicker Man came the failing of the strains…” . The highest compliment I can pay is that if ‘The Failing Of The Strains’ had come before 'The Wicker Man', I would be describing it as an unnerving and eerie, but ultimately charming offering. Post 'The Wicker Man' I am left with split loyalties. High praise indeed.