Album Review

The Seventeenth Century – The Notes EP

• 25th Nov 2009

In just over a year since forming the self-professed best unsigned band ever, feral Glaslow troup The Seventeenth Century.

Has managed to mould together a mature collection blues tainted, bohemian rock spirited, folk flavoured adventuring. Now a tight quintet, they use the edgy and foraging lament ‘Notes’, to draw out their inner searching and slow mood building touch.

Andrew Truscott’s initially sparse then tempo lifting mild percussion clatter helps give the vocals added impetus and potency, lending reflection, life and adventure to this woe begotten tale. Almost shuddering guitar trickling mid-song solo courtesy of Ryan Joseph Burns, helps build in some edginess and aids the fervid reflection that is needed at this point. The end result is a song that will make you feel like you put your moods through the tumble dryer instead of your favourite hoody.

A more pronounced folk vibe attaches to the whistling ‘Roses In The Dark’ and, more clarity is given to the vocals, as the acapella interlude shores up the dusky worldliness of the vocal touch. That is soon aided by hovering, almost choral backing. Before a wandering and calming folk touch sees the song out.

The Seventeenth Century is turning into a thoughtful, reliable and fresh outfit.