Songlines review – Conflict Tourism
The British duo's fourth album has a strong thread of stories, settings and characters. It's a folk-pop concept album with some really catchy choruses that address conflicts personal, political, territorial, universal. The distinctive fiddle and guitar of Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts have been joined by a cracking rhythm section of double bassist Matt Downer and percussionist Mark Tucker, who also programmed some effective drum patterns. That mix of accomplished acoustic musicianship and subtle electronics works well on the likes of Jack O Lantern, Roberts' take on the origin of the Halloween tradition.
Froots Review – Conflict Tourism
Multiple-award-nominees and a perennially stylish 'hot property' act, Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts have latterly spent a whole year touring while at the same time writing a new batch of songs, which, it soon became apparent, tackle head-on the common theme of conflict (notably our personal dramas and internal struggles and tensions) to which they prove expert guides for the musical tourist.