United Bible Studies, The Kitchen Session EP
Posted on 27th Aug 10 by Gwen Langford | 
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One would never guess given the standard of the music on this four track EP that this is a band who lists their members as “people come and go” on their MySpace and Facebook pages. In fact, even with extensive internet searches it is unclear if either of the two original members remain. Recorded in one [...]
One would never guess given the standard of the music on this four track EP that this is a band who lists their members as “people come and go” on their MySpace and Facebook pages. In fact, even with extensive internet searches it is unclear if either of the two original members remain. Recorded in one take on July 22nd 2010 and released August 1st 2010 United Bibles Studies‘ The Kitchen Session EP includes new versions of four previously released tracks.
United Bible Studies, The Kitchen Session EP
Having performed in the past with anything between 3 and 12 members this record involved 8 singers/musicians including harps, banjos and accordian players. Vast portions of each of the songs are instrumental and it’s a tactic that works given the level of musicanship that is present.
This is especially evident on the 1st track Columba’s Song where more than half of the song is purely instrumental. The interaction between each of the band members is excellent and one would be easily fooled in thinking that these are people who have played music together for many years.
While the vocals are also excellent the downfall on this EP for me is actually trying to figure out what the songs are about as I find the lyrics very cryptic and confusing to decipher. While themes of nature and relationships are evident I find it very difficult in parts due to the intensity of the music to hear the actual vocals of David Colohan which is a shame as his voice is very good and is well suited to this genre of music.
Possibly the strongest of the four tracks would have to be The Roving Ploughboy-O. This song has a beautiful soft melody which takes the listener on a journey of relaxation while Colohan sings a story about giving up the good life to follow the highly rated Ploughboy to a life where he won’t have the creature comforts he has at present but one where the sacrifices he makes will be worth it.
There appears to be a opposite theme in The Lowlands of Holland where a newly married man has to leave his bride. The final track on the EP The Shore that fears the Sea while having that excellent title has the most cryptic of all the lyrics and after numerous listens I’m still no nearer to being able to understand its meaning.
Of course the cryptic lyrics can either be to the advantage or disadvantage to a band as it can either heighten the interest of the listener or indeed make them walk away. I do believe, however, that with the standard of musicianship from United Bible Studies it will entice the listener to stay with them and indeed given that they have 11 previous releases this would most definately appear to be the case.
On my first listen to this EP I was instantly reminded of Mumford and Sons and The Kitchen Session EP would appeal to anyone into folk music and is available as a free download here.
Drop-d Rating: 7/10
Tags: David Colohan, mumford and sons, The Kitchen Session EP, The Lowlands of Holland, The Roving Ploughboy-O, The Shore that fears the Sea, United Bible Studies