‘Iron Horse’ seems to reflect if not an obsession, then Mary Erskine’s preoccupation with bikes and traffic, roads and travel, and is something of a concept album based around the cyclist’s experience. Song titles like ‘Bike With No Name’, ‘Traffic Light Crush’, ‘Freewheel’, ‘White Bike’, ‘Road Out’ and ‘Wheelie’ indicate the thematic unity of the material. It’s fitting that the album’s launch show was powered entirely by pedal-generated power, and that ‘Slow Jam’ is set to be the official campaign single for Brake charity’s Road Safety Week in November.
All very commendable and environmentally friendly, of course, but I sincerely hope Mary and her chums also advocate considerate cycling because as a pedestrian I’m sick of almost being mown down on the pavement and in pedestrian zones.
|
As for the music, ‘Iron Horse’ draws on an eclectic range of styles and incorporates elements of folk, jazz and blues with the occasional dash of funk and soul.
At times ponderous and reflective, at times whimsical and fluttery, it’s an accessible, melodic affair that may not make for the most enthralling of albums, but it’s got a certain inoffensive charm.
Me For Queen Online
|