Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou formed from the dregs of Indigo Moss, a London based band who found themselves lost at sea before the dawn of the great nu folk revival. Although their eponymous debut achieved critical acclaim, the five-piece failed to make a notable impression, and by mid 2007 most of their line up had departed for brighter shores. Presumably they’re now session musicians for an artist signed to Communion Records.
Since that fated day Moss and Hannah-Lou have persevered, first releasing Loose Music in March 2010, and following it up with this – what is technically their third album – Quality First, Last and Forever!
If their history proves anything, it proves the couple can enjoy a sense of superiority. Ill informed criticisms have been made calling this band a poor equivalent and acidic backlash of North London’s more popular bands. Those critics can have their straw sunhats and eat them, because Mr and Mrs Moss have been on the scene since Marling was taking her GCSE exams. There’s no plagiarism or bandwagon hitching going on here.
Unfortunately that’s where the credibility of this record ends. Unlike the superb Loose Music – which was recorded in the murky wake of an urban dwelling – Quality First, Last and Forever has sacrificed its soul for the butterfly anointed shackles of a farmer’s barn. In particular the upbeat songs (‘Spin Me a Rhyme’, ‘Making It Count’) sound like a pastiche of Fairport Convention having a good ol’ jolly. After a few pints of cider and some sunstroke Moss and Hannah-Lou might be getting somewhere, but a sober listen does nothing for their aspirations.
Hope is restored by Moss’ signature vocal. Gnarled and husky, it’s drawn comparison to Marianne Faithfull in the past, and permeates tracks like ‘Cheap Wine’ and ‘A Hill Far, Far Away’ with a rasping wisdom. In comparison Hannah-Lou’s dainty whistle is technically perfect, but without the quant lyricism of Loose Music, it fails to resonate against its strong partner. Once again the lack of something lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce upon an unsuspecting lamb spoils Quality First, Last and Forever and reduces it to a memoriam of better times.
Having found friends in The Magic Numbers and Damon Albarn, Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou will probably survive their folly into the countryside, but they’d best return to the big smoke before they attempt another album.
[Rating: 2]
