Dorset-based musical duo Ninebarrow literally spring into life with the early March release of their brand new album. Not only are Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere at one with nature in their themes and outlook, they also branch out into many familiar staple features of the folk world including exploring the traditional, drawing influence from poetry and turning to the trusty old shanty. A POCKET FULL OF ACORNS is Ninebarrow's fourth release and packed with a multitude of credentials to seal an acclaimed status in a genre that can be as demanding as welcoming. Any demands are met head on in the way Jon and Jay present the whole package of their music from song selection to the insightful comprehensive booklet that accompanies physical copies of this album, similarly to what they have done before.
You could literally turn a review into a thesis if you took a real deep dive into the world of Ninebarow, but the beauty of albums like this is the experience can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. Taking a relaxed approach to the music will reap sweet cathartic rewards as the eleven songs cast a rural spell and embrace the breathing of fresh air. Dig a little deeper and you will discover the story behind the title track 'A Pocket Full of Acorns' with its literal inspiration of planting acorns in Napoleonic times. Discovery will also lead you on the trail of a twin William Barnes poetic influence in 'Zunshine in the Winter' and 'Cry Unity', while the work of Patrick Wolf is covered in a beautiful piano accompanied version of 'Teignmouth'.
Ninebarrow don't really trade in standout numbers, more a general consistent stroll through their repertoire. They launch the album in their preferred mode of exploring and reflecting upon the beauty of the natural world in 'Come January' and 'Nestledown', the latter being a near six-minute original composition highlighting a fascination for the Dorset Warbler.
Moving away from the natural world into something a little darker and menacing is 'Under the Fence' which uses the inspiration of a traditional song to update the plight of refugees marooned in the sordid world of migration camps. On a lighter note, who can resist another hop homage to the 'patron saint' of beer in the folk world - 'Hey John Barleycorn' . Likewise we are all induced into a folk nirvana for the twin pairing of the Morris-influenced 'You Who Wander' and 'Farewell Shanty', a song that does what is says on the tin. By the time the guys close things out with a gorgeous version of 'Sailors All', converts will adore while stalwarts applaud.
Don't forget to savour the magical delights of A POCKET FULL OF ACORNS with the informative booklet. It really does add to the experience. Ninebarrow are hugely talented artists on many fronts with a finger on the pulse of a plethora of folk music facets. First and foremost they deliver an album fascinating in depth and accomplished in sound. The world is not such a bad place through the lens of Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchadiere along with the other musicians they enlist for help along the way.
