Reviews

Derbyshire Times, Thursday 18th November, 2004

BIRTHDAY IN FULL SWING

Songs, rhymes, drinks, a cake and guests galore – all the ingredients were there for a good party when Chesterfield’s Attic Folk Club celebrated its eighth birthday. The only thing missing was the chance to dance for the spectators who packed the concert room at the town’s Tullamore Hotel on Saturday, but they did their best by jigging in their seats.

Attic newcomers Toein’ in the Dark went down a storm with the sell-out audience and their performance must surely warrant a swift return to the club where they have been trying to get a gig for a year.

Described by master of ceremonies Jim Clarke as playing a variety of songs and a variety of instruments in a variety of places, Toein in the Dark kicked off their show at “the subterranean Attic” with the gentle Man in the Moon, followed by Ron Kavanagh’s Reconciliation. The four-piece band showed their versatility in I Used to be a Blues Singer, Nancy Griffiths’ Gulf Coast Highway and Boo Hewardine’s Footsteps Fall. An instrumental inspired by a track from Abba’s Arrival album sequed nicely into Leadbelly’s Midnight Special, the latter was among the high spots of their two sets. Carmel and Andy’s accomplished singing was sensitively accompanied by fellow instrumentalists and backing vocalists Jenny and Bob ........

Sheffield Star, Friday August 27, 2004

FOLK BAND'S TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO TOWN AFTER GIG AT EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL

Rotherham folk band Toein' in the Dark made a triumphant return to the town after taking to the big stage at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. They appeared at the Ross theatre, Princess Park, for two days performing on a Glastonbury-style stage to an international audience. And in true star fashion they appeared on a 20ft high video screen with massive sound system. Promoter Judy Dalton said: "The whole thing was so exciting and the guys played and sounded so well, the audience loved them. I think they had a pretty good time too".

Rotherham Advertiser, Friday September 3, 2004

PERFORMANCE OF THEIR LIVES

Rotherham folk band, Toein' in the Dark, have returned from what they describe as "an incredible time" at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. They appeared on two days at the Ross Theatre, Princess Park, on a Glastonbury-style stage to an appreciative international audience. With a 20ft high video screen and a sound system to drown out the city noise, the band gave "the performance of our lives", with vocals from Carmel O'Toole and Andy Hoult, keyboards from Jenny Fox on accordion and piano and fiddle from Bob Meakin. Playing a number of blues and traditional numbers, they finished their set with 'Midnight Special'.

Stirrings, Issue 112, August 2002

TOEIN' IN THE DARK
Such A Long Way Back Home

This album, dedicated to Malcolm Fox, founder member of the band and one who encouraged numerous young people to have a go, reflects the diversity required to tempt youngsters to participate in acoustic music.

Ranging from Abba and Leadbelly, through the Beatles, Woody Guthrie, Nanci Griffith, traditional and Andy Hoult originals, the band demonstrate an ability to cross musical boundaries with ease, using guitar, accordion and fiddle with voice and harmony. Kicking off with a surprising Abba tune and featuring Bob Meakin, whose fiddle playing is outstanding throughout the CD, the band then launches into a spirited version of Midnight Special. The next track is a song performed at the memorial service for the victims of the Omagh Bombing. From Gershwin (one I particularly like) to Griffith, the source material is wide-ranging yet sits together very comfortably. A Song For Ireland is done with lovely accompaniment and harmonies.

A musical interlude of Flatbush Waltz/Tam Lin reminds us that the instrumentalists are first class, and a band going from strength to strength - I can honestly say that they are as good live as on record.

The vocals from Andy Hoult and Carmel O'Toole are strong both solo and together in harmony, with Bob also adding harmony on some tracks. Jenny Fox plays particularly fine piano accordion, both sensitive and at times with a Cajun kick.

It is pleasing to see local and political songwriters included in this collection, and that the CD cover shows the band in their hometown station of Rotherham Central, linking nicely to the title track. The cover is professionally done, with sleeve notes laid out clearly. The CD is produced by Robin Garside, whose credentials speak for themselves.

At sixteen tracks and 64 minutes long, this album represents good listening and value for money. So if you draw up beside me at the traffic lights, I will probably be bopping along with Andy Hoult's 'I Used To Be A Blues Singer', definitely one to keep in the car. A band that will appeal across the board; guys, Malcolm would be proud!

Judy Dalton