Said The Maiden
Album: Come Hither
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 5
Website: http://www.saidthemaiden.blogspot.co.uk

Said The Maiden describe themselves as an upcoming female folk trio, and Come Hither is their aptly inviting debut recording. Comprising Kathy Pilkinton, Jess Distill and Hannah James (no, not her namesake from Lady Maisery/Kerfuffle), the trio have evidently proved themselves sufficiently talented and charismatic over the past two years since they've been performing together to have made quite a mark on audiences, whether offering a judicious couple of songs for a floor spot at their local folk club (Redbourn in Hertfordshire) or a longer short set in the guise of higher-profile support act.

Judging by this EP, the trio would seem to be trying to establish a varied repertoire, while concentrating exclusively on traditional material. Their approach and delivery are exhilarating (in a way, I was reminded of the Witches Of Elswick), although their techniques and gestures are practised rather than groundbreaking or challenging to the listener. Said The Maiden clearly much enjoy the experience of singing together, they have a persuasive blend of individual voices, and indeed their very capable a cappella work is a particular strength, on which they rightly focus. Two of this EP's tracks are done in that mode: a vibrantly dispatched Derby Ram and a likeable, if perhaps a touch deliberately phrased, take on Spencer The Rover. But they've clearly given much thought to their arrangements. Innovative and varied vocal treatment is also the key to the disc's final item, Rolling Sailor, which finds the girls using more ambitious instrumentation in support of their staggered entries and further harmonic adventures.

On the snappy stall-setting showcase of an opener, Hunting The Hare, there's more than a suspicion that the girls are consciously striving to impress, to make an immediate impact on the punters, for all that they may genuinely also be striving to bring something different to their interpretation of a familiar song (actually, it really is a nice idea to follow a solo fiddle intro with a diddled vocal rendition of the tune before launching into the lyric proper with due harmonic embellishment and arrangement). The disc is completed by a pleasing and competent (if ultimately unremarkable) ensemble account of Shady Grove, with full-toned fiddle and guitar backing.

Yes, I can hear why Said The Maiden have already made themselves a healthy reputation, and I can also sense a strong measure of untapped potential, but at the same time I'm also tempted to the conclusion that they ought perhaps by now have more to show for themselves than this five-tracker which (in spite of its degree of accomplishment) has the air of a staged demo-cum-showcase (as opposed to a fully-fledged artistic and commercial statement). Having said that, I'm acutely aware that it's intended as an honest representation of how the girls sound live on stage, and as such it is certainly more than fit for purpose. I admire their enterprise, and so I have every confidence that quite soon Said The Maiden will produce a rather fine debut album proper…

David Kidman