Lupen Crook - British Folk Tales

by Jamie Rowland

published: 17 / 11 / 2012

Label: Preservation Society Presents
Format: CD

intro

Engaging, but deliberately uncomfortable fifth album from Chatham-based singer-songwriter, Lupen Crook

It continues to amaze me that Lupen Crook doesn’t receive more radio play. He’s skirted the edges of “popular” since the release of his first EP in 2005, 'Petals Fresh From Roadkill', with that record getting him an interview in the 'NME' and a place on that year’s ‘Cool List’ - admittedly, a dubious honour, but the point is, his name was getting out there. To my ears, his sound has become more mainstream over the years, so the fact he remains a peripheral artist - if a very well respected, popular one – remains baffling. Or maybe I just listen to too much weird music, so anything vaguely melodic sounds mainstream to me? Either way, I think more people should be listening to his latest album, 'British Folk Tales' (a bit of a misnomer – this is definitely not a folk album). While not as immediately grabbing as 2010’s 'The Pros and Cons of Eating Out' (his finest moment to date, in my opinion), this new record seems to have a much more subtle, emotional side to it which may come as something of a surprise to anyone used to the harsher, darker sounds which usually make up a Lupen Crook release (not that there aren’t still plenty of darker shades among these songs). One thing that carries through all of Lupen’s albums and singles is a rawness that borders on uncomfortable listening. Lyrics like “Every morning you leave for work and I tear myself to shreds/And when we make love, I’m not even there” - from 'Crumb Trails' – almost make you feel like you’re intruding on something incredibly personal, but at the same time make the song seem so real that it’s hard not to get sucked in. Of course, being a Lupen Crook record, there’s still plenty of room for some rowdiness, and tracks like 'The Wider World', 'The Counting Song' and first single 'Treasons To Be Beautiful' fill that role extremely well. What makes Lupen Crook most interesting and exciting as an artist is his free-wheeling approach to genre and style; he seemingly just does whatever he wants, with no two songs ever sounding the same, but always being intrinsically “Lupen Crook”. 'British Folk Tales' continues the story of one of Britain’s most engaging, eclectic and unique musical figures. If you’re one of those people who hasn’t been listening up to now – what is your problem, you idiot?! Go back to the beginning and make your way through his discography. You’ll thank yourself for taking the time.

Track Listing:-

1 The Counting Song
2 Treasons to Be Beautiful
3 My Mistaken Angel
4 Crumb Trails
5 Note to Self
6 The Wider World
7 Herding Cats
8 If You Love Me Come the Morning
9 The Emerging Seas
10 Human Remains

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/lupencrook
https://lupencrooks.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/MrLUPENCROOK
https://twitter.com/lupencrook

interviews

Interview (2006)

Chatham-based singer-songwriter Lupen Crook has been attracting increasing interest from the music press. With his debut album 'Accident Occurs Whilst Sleeping' just out, he speaks to Jamie Rowland abouts its recording

live reviews

Spitz, London, 20/9/2006

One of the most exciting new acts in the UK, Jamie Rowland watches Lupen Crook and his band the Murderbirds play an electric-sounding set as part of the Spitz's Festival of Folk in London

Social, London, 7/5/2005

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reviews

The Pros and Cons of Eating Out (2010)

Bewildering, but effortlessly brilliant combination of folk, punk, pop and new wave on third album from original-minded Medway-based singer-songwriter, Lupen Crook, and his band the Murderbirds

Accidents Occur Whilst Sleeping (2006)

Love 80 (2006)

Halloween (2005)

Petals Fresh From Road Kill (2005)