Rolling Folk provides a vehicle to showcase the song writing prowess of Merry Hell’s Virginia Kettle.

Release Date:  1st March 2024

Label: Drop In The Drink Records

Format:  Digital / Streaming / CD 

East Of Elsewhere, the debut album by Rolling Folk is an eclectic collection of   different styles of song. As members of Merry Hell, John and Virginia Kettle are already pushing the boundaries of folk music wider. With Chris Lee  and Mark Woolley on board, they are continuing that mission.

The songs show Virginia’s ability to write not only about a variety of themes but also in a variety of styles. Her songs can be intimate, sensitive, socially aware and personally revealing and while some  may rue that folk music is changing and becoming more diverse now than it ever has been, this album represents another positive move to  enliven and revitalise the genre.

The sadness of love forlorn is compared with hope of a happy relationship in Hurricane Blue and the upbeat L ost In You. On stage and in recording Virginia wears her heart on her sleeve.  In Trouble, the single released from the album, she bemoans how trouble seems to follow her around  and includes a delightful mandolin solo from Chris Lee. In complete contrast Sailing on The Wind has a country feel then erupts into a folky jig extolling  the virtues of a high self  esteem before revealing a more vulnerable side in the flowing  ballad Kiss On The Wind.

The darker side of love is revealed in Winter In Your Heart. Compass shows the rockier side to Rolling Folk with the addition of Egan Stonier’ s electric violin whereas there is  more tender approach with Clare ‘Fluff’ Smiths fiddle on  Tomorrow is Not Promised.  Virginia’s well thought out  lyrics have clarity and the message shines through in each song , particularly when the  theme of  needing a soulmate and guiding rock is reflected  in  Lighter Shade Of  Blue and Steady As A Rock.

Although the title East Of Elsewhere is meant to represent the mesmerising, whirlwind life  of a touring musician, travelling rapidly from place to place living out of suitcases , travelling in gear packed vans,  each message is expressed sensitively. The schedule for touring and recording with MH is always busy I hope Rolling Folk can find an opportunity to perform these songs live.

The album was given brief  airplay on Mark  Radcliffe’s Folk Show and it is deserving of wider exposure. The album is available from Bandcamp and the Merry Hell website as well as the usual outlets!!

Rolling Folk online: Facebook

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