poppedmusic

Madird

Released 13th November

Words: Nick Jaques

Saint Sister come in the form of Morgan Macintyre and Gemma Doherty. They seamlessly blend a variety of folk-roots influences, most notably celtic with a modern twist of electronica. In short space of time, Saint Sister have managed to already support well established artists such as Will Butler (Arcade Fire’s impassioned frontman) and Hozier. Even though they have only been performing together since 2014, it’s fair to say they’ve come along way and they even managed to secure Hozier’s producer in the process for their first EP Madrid

The opener sets the scene with an enticing slice of music consisting of operatic vocals, arresting folky celestial atmospherics with synth beats which certainly helps to paint an enticing mood for this EP. To add to this, their vocal style flirts with The Unthanks and First Aid Kit – not bad comparisons to be making whatsoever.

If that didn’t grip me enough, the calm lucidity of Castles with its blissful and engaging harp plucking certainly lends originality to their musical scope.

Blood Moon is really the highlight for me though. A deep piece of music with pulsing beats, celtic tribal hauntings. It’s feels like a blood moon rising and lighting up the sky at dusk. A vivid and satisfying number which struck a chord with me.

With their celtic traditions intertwined with electronica they definitely seem to bring something different to the ever-blossoming folk music scene these days.

The Madrid EP finishes with a gentle acoustic number with more gorgeous and elegant vocal deliveries – reminiscent of The Staves. Some of the harmonising on the EP, particularly on the last track is arresting and a joy to get lost in, which brings it to a fulfilling end.

An engaging and striking EP. The amount of depth and craft is pleasantly surprising on this 4 track EP. If they’re able to sustain this form on a long-player then I have no doubt that Madrid will ones to watch on the folk scene

To know that Saint Sister have only officially been writing/performing since November last year and they have managed to produce an short EP with this much character only serves to add to the anticipation which I’m sure Saint Sister are capable of generating.

Listen to Castles here: