Genre: Folk Rock / Indie / Pop

Les Issambres share a place in folk that most likely will not appeal to the neofolk acolyte unless such an aficionado suckles the trappings of avant-indie music, with its verge nestling pop; but to dismiss it on such comparison would be initially unfair to the unique spice of traditional folk replete throughout the just-shy-of thirty minute album. Unfortunately, though, in the long run the folk elements tend only to support a more indie-pop interested crowd.

A dark dirge grinds ever downward in the opening strains of Les Issambres, slightly sneering melodies elevate the pop to dark jangle, as a full rock ensemble of guitar, bass, drums, and vocals is accompanied by a skillfully apt use of flute, that lends the rock a folk feel. The flute remains a prevalent feature across the album and serves as further melodic treatment in all tracks, with almost organ like lines and coloratura filigree filling out the spaces where others might consider an electric guitar lead. From the dirtied opening track, Les Issambres unfortunately take steps sideways into song-form reminiscent of The Smiths, complete with sing-along chorus, flanging bass and guitar jingle; that being said, it is a well crafted pop tune. In fact, such is how the rest of the album plays out, well-crafted pop that is radio and in-law friendly, though it does not keep the likeness to aforementioned the aforementioned act as each tune is thankfully uniquely crafted preventing listlessness. Drawing on the vocal duo of brother sister team, Stefan and Karin Jacobsen adds quite a dimension across the short half hour album of nine tracks, both accomplished and complimentary singers.

‘Late Fairytales’ is sumptuously packaged, perhaps unlike anything you’ve seen, a hemp type sewn canvas bag serves as soft slipcase with a golden, star-like decoration silk-screener to one side. Within the haptically textured package is the disc itself, retained in a simple, full-colour card sleeve and full colour disc, with its bizarre paint-on-canvas (matching that same air of texture as with the canvas sleeve) of elephants and elephantine humanoids by artist, Catalina Eklundh. The liner notes feature, oddly enough, on the front of the cover, though the choice of vibrant yellow against a white background makes for difficult reading.