Black Bank Folk are folk music but in it’s broadest sense. It’s not what you might call Irish traditional music but encompasses that tradition, with the use of uileann pipes, whistle and a voice that is clearly aware of and engaged in that style. However, the sound is so much more, drawing elements of indie rock and at times, Americana.
The band burst onto the scene in 2016 with their debut album Rising, receiving rave reviews at home and abroad. Their follow up Last Star Fall, saw the band hone their indie folk sound and take the music on a clearer path. The new album Echoes On The Streets see a band in full stride confident in their song writing and musical direction.
“The album was born out of a real time of flux both in our personal lives as well as in the country as a whole.” Jimmy said of a writing process that began in a pre-covid world and continued right through lockdown and beyond. “The universal thread that weaves through the songs is the struggle between contrasting extremes that change can bring about, and I suppose the comfort that can be gained from looking to the past-without letting it hold you back, getting bogged down in some kind of self-damaging nostalgia.”
Whilst clearly revealing their Irish roots, Black Bank Folk create a sound that points to the future, fusing Irish Traditional music and rock for the 2020s.
Hot Press “…brimming over with masterful musicianship welded to strong songwriting, and the feeling that Black Bank Folk are only getting into their stride.” ****
RNR “…Black Bank Folk create a sound that points to the future …painting the way from tradition to creating something new, fusing Irish Traditional music and rock for the 2020s” ****
Double vinyl Echoes On The Street available from our shop