Memorials Of Distinction Vinyl & CDs

Review: The London collective, Shovel Dance Collective, breathes new life into folk music with their album The Water Is the Shovel of the Shore. Embracing folk song as a living tradition, not a relic, they connect centuries-old songs to modern struggles. Through haunting vocal performances and sparse instrumentation - utilising hammered dulcimer, bowed cittern, and pump organ - they evoke a deeper, stranger antiquity. The album's collage-like presentation, interspersed with field recordings, adds contemporary resonance to traditional pieces from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Guyana. The cumulative effect is both mesmerising and uncanny, reminiscent of the films of Robert Eggers. Shovel Dance Collective's emphasis on authenticity and inclusivity, as well as their non-hierarchical approach, adds depth to their reinterpretations. Whether delving into historical narratives or exploring themes of liberation and solidarity, their music speaks volumes. The Water Is the Shovel of the Shore is powerhouse of traditional music in today's world.