This, paired with his true-to-form instrumental composition, proves that modern technology is unnecessary to create a pretty song. Sometimes the simplest songs are the ones that deserve the most attention.
Discovered by modern indie folk torchbearer Will Oldham while in the band Appendix Out, Alasdair Roberts has become something of a phenomenon, successfully releasing one brilliant record after another. Roberts’ songwriting on The Amber Gatherers is a joyous return to 2003’s Farewell Sorrow after 2005’s No Earthly Man, which consisted of traditional folk murder ballads. His songs are delicate and his dedication to melody is commendable.
Though many of the songs are pleasant to have on while going through everydayness, “Where Twines the Path” is one of his finest and deserves to be repeated. “I Had a Kiss of the King’s Hand” is a refreshing reflection on the traditional sounds Roberts has been known to create.
Folk is a carelessly overused description of music with acoustic guitars, but Roberts surpasses most artists by following the folk ideal of tradition wholly and fully, rather than being a heartbroken man with a guitar. The result is satisfying.
– Kristine Capua
Alasdair Roberts (Drag City)