Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Robin Webb enjoys an immersive transportation and thoroughly unique take on English folk courtesy of the talented North East artist
Purr Of The Bear
Released: 05.06.26
Hailing from Northumberland, Frankie Archer, along with Guy Massey, has co-produced a collection of the oldest traditional English folk songs into electronically-charged passion tales, thoroughly modernised and given a 21st century gravitas. Unmistakably trad arrangements are counterpointed with synth oddities, chip tunes and processed voice work, offering an immersive transportation into ancient tales; we are the antiquarian bystanders our fascinations, showing us human moralities with an empathy that transcends timeless ages.
Melancholic menace imbues much of these stories, as In Brunton Town where evil intent drives siblings misguided by family shame ending in a bloody tragedy, or the grimly unnatural sadness of The Unquiet Grave which is contrasted with sweetly uplifting echoing vocals reflecting a lovers’ lament.
As debuts go this stands out as a thoroughly accomplished body of work with a unique approach to traditional music, and Frankie has been garnering much interest as a result. It’s a great gathering that is both thoughtful and immemorial, like all good stories should be.
