Ahoy there! lf by chance you’re on the lookout for an album that whisks you away on an adventure unlike any other I’ve heard, Ye Banished Privateers’ latest release, ‘Til the Sea Shall Give Up Her Dead out on Napalm Records, is your ticket to the high seas. This Swedish ensemble has truly outdone themselves, mashing traditional folk melodies with the raw energy of pirate lore.
The journey kicks off with “The Cranker,” a track that immediately sets the tone with its hypnotic fiddles and pounding drums. It’s inspired by the Swedish folk song Hårgalåten and tells the eerie tale of sailors lured into an endless dance by a devilish fiddler. The energy on this one is infection, you’ll be hard pushed to sit still listening to it.
Then there’s “Raise Your Glass,’ a raucous anthem that feels like an invitation to a lively pub gathering. The clatter of tambourines and whiskey-soaked choruses create an atmosphere where you can almost hear the clinking of glasses and laughter. It’s a celebration of camaraderie and the fleeting joys found amidst the perils of sea life.
“Waves Away” offers a different side, this ballad captures the bittersweet essence of life at sea. The melancholic melodies and heartfelt lyrics paint a vivid picture of sailors yearning for home while embracing the vast unpredictable ocean.
What sets this album apart is its ability to balance the outlandish with the solemn reflecting the true nature of a sailor’s life. The production quality is top-notch, allowing each of the 18 musicians (yes 18) contributions to shine without overshadowing one another. It shows the band’s cohesion and shared vision.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of sea shanties or like me you’re new to the genre, this record promises a voyage worth embarking on. So, hoist the anchor, set sail and let Ye Banished Privateers guide you through tales of old with a fresh and spirited twist.
‘Til the Sea Shall Give up Her Dead’ gets awarded 7.5. doubloons out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography