Lofoten Calling

midwich records follows up much praised albums by nancy wallace, owl service and ellen mary mcgee with the debut album by the kittiwakes, three versatile singers and musicians based in the south east of england. the concept of the album is based on the people, wildlife, landscape and folklore of the lofoten islands, the north western archipelago in arctic norway. bathed by the gulf stream waters and the 'aurora borealis', they are home to an ancient viking culture and fishing industry. a true labour of love, the album was conceived and written by kate denny (sings and strings) after a visit to the area, and further research revealed that legendary horror writer edgar allen poe had also found inspiration there (for his short story descent into the maelstrom no less). the picture is made complete with the able assistance of jill cumberbatch (violin, mandolin, octave mandola, guitar, vocals) and chris harrison (piano accordion, piano vocals). from shanty-inspired rousing tunes, through intricate three-part harmonies and finely-arranged, haunting, winterset-esque songs, 'lofoten calling' displays an acute sense of what's at the heart of the british folk tradition and brings it sailing into the 21st century with an honesty and playfulness that is at once enchanting, touching and irresistible.