Whale Watching Cancelled; How Come That Blood?

Written for Snipe

MP3: How Come That Blood?

NYC-based proto-folk innovator Sam Amidon is one of the many with touring plans grounded by the volcano Eyjafjallajökull in recent weeks; but Amidon, unlike some English tabloids, could never see Iceland as a villain. Amidon is one of the key players in the Bedroom Community scene, led by esteemed producer Valgeir Sigurðsson. The label's Whale Watching tour (also set to feature mercurial composer Nico Muhly, Ben Frost, and Sigurðsson himself) was due to arrive at London's Barbican last week but has been ashed off after months of meticulous planning.

Lucky then that we have Amidon's latest album "I See The Sign" to chase away the volcano blues. Another wonderfully natural combination of traditional folk music and striking contemporary arrangements, "I See A Sign" is one of the essential records of 2010 so far. Opening track "How Come That Blood?" is a dark tale of murder and confession told over shuffling rhythms and wandering string arrangements, and a perfect introduction to Amidon's world.

Listen to works by the Bedroom Community on their MySpace.