Although their first album seemed to pass me by at the time I instantly became a fan of the Faversham-based folk rock band, Green Diesel, when I was asked to review their second album, Wayfarers All, back in 2014. They are currently promoting their fifth album, Onward The Sun, which came out in April and which was recently described by Shindig! magazine as “folk rock at its finest.” I couldn’t agree more which is why I headed over to Brighton to catch the band live.
Performing at the charmingly elegant Folklore Rooms above the Quadrant pub, the band were supported first by Bity Booker, a London-based alt-folk singer-songwriter with beautiful songs, a sweet voice and some hilariously deadpan introductions. And by Brighton’s own The Witchcraft & Vagrancy Act, who delve into the macabre side of folk to come up with their own fabulous folk horror interpretations of traditional songs – think Cecil Sharp had he spent his time hanging around with Bauhaus and Alice Cooper.
For Green Diesel, the evening provides a welcome opportunity to showcase material from the new album alongside some older favourites. There’s well-received renditions of ‘Onward the Sun!’ the album’s title track, and ‘Ring The Hill’ another superb song from the album. Ellen Care’s vocals are utterly perfect for material of this type, combining just the right amount of sweetness and menace as she lets these folklore-inspired stories unfold, backed by some psych-folk guitar-wizardry, a powerful rhythm section and her own stunning fiddle playing.
Green Diesel have never been averse to a bit of folk horror themselves, of course, and tonight’s set includes the band’s cover of ‘Maypole’ from The Wicker Man soundtrack, sung by lead guitarist, Matt Dear, and given a suitably-ominous sounding Green Diesel makeover. The band even throw in a couple of Morris tunes which comprise the instrumental segment of the new album, again given the Green Diesel treatment: heavied up and performed in minor key. Superb stuff!
Green Diesel just seem to get better and better with each year that passes. And with two impressive support acts it made the trip to Brighton and the never-knowingly-reliable late train back to Hastings well worthwhile.
Related posts:
Interview with Greg Ireland of folk rock band, Green Diesel
Celebrated folk rock band Green Diesel back with long-awaited fifth album: Onward The Sun!
After Comes The Dark: new album from Green Diesel promises folk in glorious technicolor
Green Diesel at The Albion, Hastings 2017
Darren's music blog 
Green Diesel are another new name to me. Based on your comments about their latest album “Onward the Sun,” I sampled some of tracks, and my initial impression is positive. “Venus Tree” is a neat opener, and the title cut sounds great as well.
Over the weekend, I coincidentally heard a song (“Our House”) by Christina Alden & Alex Patterson, served as part of a new music playlist by my streaming provider. They immediately sounded familiar. That’s when it occurred to me you recently reviewed their latest album “Safe Travels.” Great music as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aha! good to hear music I’ve written about has started appearing on your playlists!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
I absolutely love the vibe that live folk music brings to any setting. There’s something so raw and authentic about hearing traditional instruments and heartfelt lyrics in person. It really creates a connection between the musicians and the audience that you just can’t get from a recording. Thanks for highlighting this genre it’s great to see it getting the appreciation it deserves!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Completely agree – and thanks so much for reading and making that observation.
LikeLike