The first pressing is in a Limited Edition digi-pack with a fold out booklet. All eleven tracks are exclusive to this album and do not duplicate any tracks from their mini album of 2008.
This album skilfully unites the mature beauty of traditional folk music
with an exciting contemporary twist. This up-to-date touch is largely
provided by Jim Causley's vocals, which effortlessly switch from the
solemnity of `Drummer Boy for Waterloo' to the dynamic requirements of
`The Jolly Broom Man'. Despite Causley's considerable presence, the
accompanying music - provided by the wonderful Mawkin - is not
overshadowed. The honestly unadorned instrumental `Todos Les Bienes Del
Mundo' is definitely one of the stand-out tracks on the album.
If further proof is needed of their excellence the band was
nominated for the BBC Folk Award before their debut even hit the
shelves. When listening to the fantastically good `L'Homme Armé' it's
impossible not to feel that this accolade isn't deserved. This first
album is a magnificently concocted mix of well-balanced yet innovative
tracks, a tremendous effort from a remarkable talent.
Reviews:
"Mawkin:Causley deserve to be up there with Bellowhead as heroes of the
new folk revival" - Robert Denslow, The Gaurdian
"This remarkably assured debut is set against a
compelling backdrop of war, gore, rebellion and revolting peasants. Like
early Steeleye Span, they have such conviction, and a true sense of
their music’s history that they can take risks bringing in novel twists,
Eastern European influences, even a hint of reggae and funk... This is
English trad that’s far from English sounding, attacked with
no-holds-barred relish..." ***** 5 Stars, Uncut Magazine
Tracklisting:
1. Jolly Broom Man
2. L'Homme Arme
3. Drummer Boy For Waterloo
4. Keeper Of The Game
5. Cutty Wren
6. The Saucy Sailor
7. Todos Los