Stormcrow - Behind the Mask

How many of us can say the face we present to other people is the real person? The opening track to Stormcrows latest release and also the title track explores the persona hidden behind the mask we put out there for the world to see and sets the tone for this remarkable CD.

We often get asked to review releases for local artists but this one we offered to do after seeing Stormcrow perform at Whitby Pirate Day last August. Picture if you will a scene from Robin Hood or Lord of the Rings, this CD would be a perfect soundtrack to any movie of that ilk. Indeed, when you are listening to this CD you are transported to a world of magic, heroes and symbolism yet its not a piece you can categorise as it also explores the nature of humanity, everyday insecurites and fears, with lyrics that are sometimes uncomfortably too close to the truth. Stormcrow have produced a superb piece in Behind the Mask and although the genre is far from mainstream we think its content would appeal to most people who appreciate good, well written music.

Stormcrow is made up of Mark and Amanda Hadlett, Sarah Mason and Sam Coles but also involved in this release were Ian Swinburne, Andy Brown and Mark Jenkins. Mark Hadlett writes the songs and they are delivered by all members of the band each of them playing several roles. There is also a bonus track on this release of "Monstrosity" played live at The Station Hotel in Loftus. Songs of note for me personally are Immortality, Jacobs Song, Green Man Magic and Solstice. Particularly Jacobs Song which I liked so much I contacted Amanda to find out what the inspiration behind the track was. Here's what she said;

Jacob is our horse, there is a picture of him on the inside cover. Mark and Jacob often hack out alone. Mark writes a lot of his songs while out riding. Horses are strange creatures who are quite scared of everything, like horse eating hedges, rocks etc. Jacob is always looking for the wolf that might jump out at him. Mark thought of Jabobs song on a wild and windy day to calm Jacob down. He responds really well to music!

I must admit that although the song was written about a horses fears they mirror human fears equally as well!

If you have never ventured into the world of contemporary folk then do give this CD a listen, you may be pleasantly suprised. More information about Stormcrow can be found on their Website and if you get the chance to see this band play live they are well worth going to see.

Reviewed by Angela Taylor for North East Live   

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