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| From www.fatea-records.co.uk September '07 " The thing I like about folk artists is they don't try to cheer you up, they keep trying to find different ways to bring you to their level. Uncle Black's latest release, "Earthling" show's why the band have acquired themselves a reputation for delivering story based songs with a quirky edge. Whilst there is a warmth to this album, it turns out to be the sun reflecting off a pool signed 'deep water'. Uncle Black are confident swimmers, alternatively diving into the depths and breaking the surface with bright splashes, reflecting mini-rainbows of colour and emotion." www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/releases.html |
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| By Steven Foster (BBC Radio Suffolk) printed in the Evening
Star June '07 "Earthling takes off Duo's new album is a download hit Hadleigh duo Uncle Black have just unveiled their new album Earthling and it's already creating a lot of interest on a leading music download site. Shortly after its official release on Monday last week, the pair went straight in at number two on the e-music chart. The internet is very much the future for acts like Uncle Black who seem to do better business with downloads then with physical sales. Last year Michael Aldridge and Les King came up with a great single called Smile which took them a little bit closer to the mainstream. The new album, their fifth for Steve Mann's excellent Suffolk-based Backwater label, gives us more from where Smile came from and is easily their most accomplished set of songs to date. All the tracks are originals, with a beautiful poem by Kate Wilson providing the words to The Pleasant Valley. On everything else Les King has looked after the lyrics and a fine job he's done too. Les's lead vocals have gradually grown on me since the pair emerged on the Suffolk music scene in 2002 and Earthling finds him singing with more confidence and a real sense of purpose. Drummer Paul Ashworth appears throughout and singer Allison Burke contributes ukulele and additional vocals. But it's mainly the work of Michael and Les, with producer Steve Mann once again getting the best out of his signings. Steve's idea of producing is to let the songs grow in the studio during the recording process, adding bits here and there but never, as far as I know, taking musicians in territories they're not happy with. If you enjoy your pop music on the gentle side the Earthling will be very much to your liking. It's light but not frothy. One of the best CDs by a Suffolk act this year. For more information, visit www.uncleblack.com or backwaterrecords.com" |
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| By
Steven Foster
(BBC Radio Suffolk)
printed in the
Evening Star
Apr '06 "Duo will earn broad smiles Suffolk duo Uncle Black have been a bit quiet of late but are about to re-emerge with a new single on Steve Mann's Backwater Records. Les King and Mike Aldridge have brightened up their sound for their latest release. Their debut album 1000 Origami Cranes was something of an acquired taste although it did have its radio friendly moments. I'm delighted that for their first release of 2006 they've gone for a more rounded, produced sound which I'm sure will win them new fans. The lead track on the new CD single Smile is their strongest song to date and benefits greatly from some sensitive drumming from guest Paul Ashworth. I also like the use of keyboards and the country-style guitar which certainly enhances the overall sound without ever threatening to take over. The harmonies work well too, particularly on the other track - Image. Steve Mann handles production with his usual deft touch and for a label not usually known for its commercial sound, Backwater has come up with a single which ought to appeal to a cross section of music fans. Uncle Black have already come to the attention of BBC Radio 2's Alex Lester who loved their first album. I'm sure they'll send this CD single to him and with luck he'll share it with his nationwide audience. I'll certainly be playing it on my Drivetime show and if the forthcoming album comes up to this sort of standard then it will be a cracking listen. The single comes out on April 10th with some live dates to follow." |
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| From
Feedback Magazine Gentle and pleasant this is country pop tinged with acoustic folk and it would be interesting to hear more of this. |
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