Lizzie and Baba “Chariots Rise” (Independent, 2009)

Excellent folky EP

Lizzie and Baba are Lizzie West and Baba Buffalo, a couple spiritually and musically entwined. West caused a small stir a few years back when her song “19 Miles to Baghdad” ruffled feathers at her then label. Nowadays they seem to be a bit of a cottage industry and on this brief outing one would do well to place an order.

Comprising of five songs the sound is down-home and folky. West has (as their press indicates) a similarity to Natalie Merchant’s voice but this only adds a frisson of pleasure when listening. All five songs are excellent examples of the songwriter's craft while Buffalo does an excellent job of supporting West on various instruments, The first two songs 'Chariots Rise' and 'Hallelujah') are excellent but special praise must go to 'Farmer and Wife' With a simple melody and both artists singing of a simple, plain, natural love, this warms the cockles of the heart. The closing song 'Starfish Lullaby' is almost as good.

Tremendous stuff and well worth looking out for.

Date review added:  Monday, August 03, 2009
Reviewer:  Paul Kerr
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