The Staves - Debut Album ‘Dead & Born & Grown’ – 12th Nov 2012

‘Dead & Born & Grown’ is the auspicious debut release from The Staves. With its delectable vocal harmonies nearing as close to perfection as can be, it seems three certainly is the magic number.

The Staveley-Taylor sisters hail from Watford – Jess (vocals and guitar), Camilla (vocals and ukulele) and Emily (vocals). Their debut album, released through Atlantic Records is the first time father and son, Ethan and Glyn Johns have worked together on a project. With both having separately enthused about the sisters, it seems quite the family affair, a good one to say the least.

With the flawless opening song, ‘Wisely & Slow’ a showcase of their delightful vocal and songwriting abilities, the talented trio charm the listener from the word go.  Introducing their band in perfect accord with their trademark tight vocals, the acapella beauty progresses into a feet tapping, mid tempo song.

‘For Mum & Dad, for teaching us harmonies and how to go wisely and slow’

2012 has already seen The Staves propelled into the limelight, in a week alone, the delightful trio have played Jools Holland and supported Bon Iver at none other than Wembley Arena. Today, they played an in-store performance to a packed out Rough Trade East.

Having shared their time between North America and the UK, The Staves have also toured the US and Canada with Bon Iver, The Civil Wars and as part of the Communion tour, “Austin to Boston” alongside Ben Howard.

Now embarking on their headline UK tour, the release of the debut album seems a long time coming however; it’s most certainly something worth the wait.

‘The Motherlode’ displays the striking melding of English folk and sublime West Coast pop, a somewhat telepathic harmonic understanding, captivating audiences in an instant.

‘Facing West’ is another stand out track, displaying the infectious harmonies. With every note, string and whistle, truly magical.

With its dreamy, steady interplay, lead track ‘Dead & Born & Grown’ is an effortless introduction to this strikingly talented sisterly trio.

Displaying a clarity many could only dream for, it seems those car journeys; sing -alongs and squabbles over the stereo were all worth it in the end. The result, the perfect debut album that encapsulates exactly where The Staves are at in their very exciting and promising career.

The best tracks: Tongue Behind My Teeth/Snow/Eagle Song/Mexico

Tracklisting: Wisely & Slow/Gone Tomorrow/The Motherlode/Pay Us No Mind/Facing West/In The Long Run/Dead & Born & Grown/Winter Trees/Tongue Behind My Teeth/Mexico/Snow/Eagle Song/I Know You Well

The Staves Live:

12^th November – Dublin., The O2 (with Bon Iver)

18^th November – Bristol, Thekla

19^th November – London, Village Underground

20^th November – Brighton, Komedia

21^st November – Leeds, The Wardrobe

23^rd November – Edinburgh, Pleasance Theatre

24^th November – Belfast, Limelight

25^th November – Dublin, Whelans

27^th November – Manchester, Ruby Lounge

28^th November – Birmingham, Hare & Hounds

29^th November – Nottingham, Bodega