Brexit Blues

Certainly not a blues compilation in the sense that might be commonly expected, this set mourns in advance the passing of close ties between the UK and EU, with an emphasis on tunes of a melancholy nature. As the tracks weep by, the overwhelming theme is of misery, usually via tunes that limp slowly, instrumental solos being expressively lachrymose. Oddly, the English duo of John Renbourn & Wizz Jones are featured, with only their song's lyrics providing a tenuous thematic link. Then there are at least two acts based in London, including She’Koyokh and Olcay Bayir, the latter's hidden track suggesting the future joining of Turkey to the EU.

Given that there are only 12 selections, surely more should have been devoted to the fuller mainland Euro-experience, even if compiler Phil Stanton is commenting on the loss of free movement impeding future collaborations. Fortunately, there's a representative from Ireland, in the slow traipsing of accordionist Aidan Coffey. There's the solemn catchiness of Stassinopoulou/Kalyviotis (from Greece), the sorrowful sensitivity of Faith i Branko (Serbia/UK) and frayed emotional vocal edges of Calaita Flamenco Son (Spain/UK).

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear an entire run of quality downbeat material in one sitting, the bittersweet pleasure growing deeper as the album progresses.