FAUSTUS
Pontardawe Arts Centre, Tue 22 Oct; Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Wed 23, Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells, Thurs 24
Here’s one, or indeed three, for those still bemoaning the premature death of folk’s behemoth big band Bellowhead: Benji Kirkpatrick, Paul Sartin and Saul Rose’s Faustus. Fretmaster Benji Kirkpatrick’s grin, as wide as his trademark stance, was always on ready display in Bellowhead’s many live gigs. In contrast, multi-instrumentalist Paul Sartin took the role of the droll compere – a brilliant contrast to John Boden’s firecracker frontman persona. Completing the super-group trio that is Faustus is melodeon player Saul Rose; adoptive (not literally) son and brother of the Waterson:Carthy clan.
Not that these are the sort of musicians to trade on past glories. Faustus have followed up the release of their third album, 2016’s Death And Other Animals with the Cotton Lords EP. This collection of 19th century texts from the Lancashire Cotton Famine briefly, yet poignantly, render an image of the hard-working community in fatal crisis.
What these five tracks show is the extraordinary talent of the trio who share lead vocal duties and harmonise with the faultless ease we’ve come to expect from all virtuosic folk instrumentalists as if it’s standard. All that’s missing is a flavour of the fun and range of material and arrangements that Faustus produce live – which is all the more reason to get out there and catch them on stage, before they find another band to join.
Tickets: £3-£15. Info: www.faustusband.com (JPD)
