Four track debut EP from Leeds-based four piece Huw Eddy & The Carnival.
First track 'Island Of Grey Skies' crashes in with a mix of jingle-jangle acoustic guitars and a bouncing rhythm section and the first thing which strikes is the vocals of Huw Edward Thomas, which I can best describe as a bluesy-reggae style unique to himself. The chorus has a wicked hook which you'll find yourself humming along to when you least expect it. The pace slows a little for 'Rum Song' which utilises Huw's vocal style fully and adds a little boogie-woogie piano and some brass to fill the sound out. Best track is 'Shake It' which reverts back to the more up-tempo style; the bouncing rhythm section fighting along with Hammond organ stabs driving the song along.
They describe themselves as “Slap ya hands and stomp your feet Indie Folk with a punch of rock and roll”, which is not a bad description and I could easily imagine a great night in a boozy, sweaty venue stomping and slapping along with The Carnival.
If you fancy a bit of up-tempo, jingly-jangly, early Mumfords with a slightly punky attitude then Huw Eddy & The Carnival might be for you.
Alisdair Whyte