The Poacher's Fate

The song that gives the album its name is also its first track, and unaccompanied with seamless harmonies, it's a portent to what lies ahead. Laura Smyth and Ted Kemp's voices are clear and well matched, a vigorous call to arms to the poacher's lot. Though Laura and Ted favour the lesser known songs from their native regions of the North West and East Anglia, there are popular choices here, too and their thoughtful approaches mean that the listener is offered something new. In 'Wild Rover' Ted Kemp sings with such remorse that we feel we cannot join in, and must let him continue in his catharsis. 'Cecilia' is rousing and triumphant, recounted by an omniscient narrator.