Album Review: Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves Of Destiny – Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose

New Folkstress gives us a breath of fresh air from the Tyne.

Over the past few years there’s been a glut of folk musicans; Laura Marling, Fleet Foxes, Bon Ivor… it’s making a comeback, but what’s most exciting about it is that each new artist tries to add something different to make them unique; their own little twist.

Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny follow this trend; not just with a classically weird name. They’re fun, fresh and show us yet another side of folk/electro folk/freaky-folk.

Any album that has tracks with names such as ‘Sweet Tooth Bird’, ‘The Barely Skinny Bone Tree’ and ‘Dodecahedon’ is always going to be quirky, and if you’re a fan of this type of music, you’re going to enjoy it – it’s a definite sign of what you’re going to get.

The great thing about Houghton & her Hooves of Destiny is the variety of sounds on offer. From energetic (Humble Digs), the classic wistful (‘The Barely Skinny Bone Tree’) and the jaunty (Carousel), they have managed to evoke Kate Bush, Emmy The Great and Field Music.

Houghton’s voice might not be to everyone’s taste, but even if you’re put off by her sometimes shrieky tones, the melodies, harmonies and variation that provide the excellent backing will keep you interested and wanting to continue listening. There is an ethereal quality to her voice at time, and when she hits the perfect spot, you’re very aware of it.

The 10 tracks last just over 30 minutes, which is almost too short. Listening to it, they’ve it just the right pace and you are left feeling sated, but wishing there was just a little bit more… From what’s on offer here, there’s a great future ahead.

By Robin Lewis
@justarobin