The Big Eyes Family Players are a collective of studio-based folk musicians from Sheffield and ‘Family Favourites’ is a compilation of music from their back catalogue.
All the tracks on the record are instrumental and some of the tracks have been re-worked from their previous incarnations. Most of the album sounds like traditional folk music (a large proportion of which resemble ballads) and acoustic guitar underlies most of the songs with the addition of beautifully arranged strings, flute, percussion and melodeon.
A lot of ‘Family Favourites’ resembles a sonic landscape that would fit perfectly in support of a piece of film, music, theatre or art – the songs just have a cinematic feel to them.
There are obvious Eastern-European influences in the music and a lot of the folk is tinged with traditional overtones. In particular, the track ‘The Chattering Lady’ is mystical and sombre, as if it has been drawn directly from the descendants of ancient Slavic cultures. There are other melancholic and atmospheric pieces here such as ‘Amateur Dramatics’ or ‘The Boo Girl’ which sound decidedly crestfallen and pensive. These songs are quite dark and often times experimental.
However, there are uplifting moments as well, with track ‘Three Wheels’ mixing a more contemporary take on folk with country music twinges…it just makes me think of long picturesque train journeys, which is rather lovely stuff really.
Instrumental folk music is unlikely to be everybody’s cup of tea, but ‘Family Favourites’ seems to be a good introduction for those who want to try something a little be unusual. And for those already in the know, ‘Family Favourites’ is likely to be a desirable addition to an obviously interesting and accomplished back catalogue.
Words: PM
Sloucher.org 
