This rootsy Northern Ireland five-piece weave an authentic-sounding blend of Americana, folk and acoustic rock that is utterly charming. Claiming influences as diverse as Gillian Welch, Richmond Fontaine, Hem, Fleet Foxes and Elbow, among others, the male and female voices – courtesy of Stephen Macartney and Rachel Coulter – harmonise beautifully on impressively strong songs such as ‘Fires Burn’ and ‘Keep It Alive’. Skilfully performed and arranged, the instrumental backdrop includes acoustic and electric guitars, pedal steel and violin along with a meaty rhythm section.
You can add Richard Thompson and Fairport Convention to their list of inspirations and the rollicking ‘So Long As I Can Say’ will find them compared to current UK folk-rock faves, Mumford & Sons. But elsewhere, songs such as ‘Another One Riding’, the bluegrassy ‘San Remo’ and the lovely, poignant ballad ‘Long Are The Hollows’ demonstrate that their hearts truly lie somewhere between the Appalachians and Austin, Texas. By all accounts, Farriers are even more impressive live – but, make no mistake, Years Ago In Our Backyeard is a cracker.