Keston Cobblers Club have been movers and shakers in the family folk scene since their formation in 2009, now eight years later this band of five friends have released their third album, Almost Home.

Named after a famous Cobbler in Keston who played music so that locals would dance, wear out their shoes and, thus, give him much needed business. Keston Cobblers Club completely do their name sake justice, even by the end of the lightning quick chorus in the title track ‘Almost Home’ it would be sinful not to stamp and whoop along.

Returning to the bands acoustic roots of their underground classics like ‘Giraffe Junkie’, the Cobblers’ new work is a wash of the catchy banjo and delicious harmonies loyal fans have come to know and love. ‘Walls’ could easily be found within their earliest EPs, playing on their tried and tested structure of repetitive choruses which harness audience interaction in the Cobblers joyous live shows.

The band may be folkies at heart but manage to weave their way into pop’s vicinity throughout Almost Home. The mid-point of the album, ‘On Your Own’, is a clash of trumpets, bumbling bass and tingling tropical riffs far from traditional folks hold. It’s ironic how a song about isolation is the most vibrant and elaborate tune of twelve.

The inspiring ‘Demons’, a song encourages listeners to face their problems, showcases the lead singer Jules’ iconic and enchanting voice. Her strained, wispy tone is perfectly matched by the other main singer, Matt’s, interjecting harmonies during the meandering break between energetic choruses.

Almost Home is nothing ground breaking, but if you need something to kick your shoes off and dance around to give it a spin.

Jenny Pudney