Beatrix Players + Band in London, EN

Unpolished Pearl Track number: 1 Year: 2010 Album: Unpolished Pearl Genre: Alternative

Single Review by en Hillman The Beatrix Players are a London based 6 piece band comprised of an array of instrumentalists: acoustic guitar, piano, flute, cello, double bass, drums and vocals. Their single ‘Unpolished Pearl’ is a fascinating and tightly woven release filled with promise and endeavour. The single’s lyrics are written by its lead singer, Amy. It's a cry for help to get a break in the industry, to be praised as a finished performer and songwriter. She implores this to happen at risk of her being left feeling like “an unpolished pearl", the comeuppance of which will be the seemingly proscribed settling down to work at a desk and having children.The lyrics portray her quandary powerfully with an enviable vocal intensity. It's quite a dark song where frustration, deception, confusion and rage hide behind the up-beat melodies of the different instruments. The piano takes the lead opening with a quirky syncopated riff followed by the rest of the instruments adding counter melodies and harmonies. This pushes into an interesting middle section, steady bass line, guitar and drums/cajon. It strikes me as being a good example of Beatrix Player’s style; where folk, rock and classical influences meld. You can catch them at Secret Garden Party which arose after winning a support slot at The People’s Music Awards, awarded by industry professionals and the festival organisers. They are playing the "Where The Wild Things Are” stage on 21 July at 7.00pm. (http://www.secretgardenparty.com/2011/#/308/278)If you happen to miss that, they will also be at The Folk Lodge - managed by The Magpies Nest , Winners of BBC Folk Club 2010 (http://www.themagpiesnest.co.uk/) at 9.00pm.