Full Review

Chris While & Julie Matthews – Hitting the Ground Running

The latest studio album from the celebrated and much loved duo, who continue to cross the boundary between English folk and the traditions of the American songwriter. The 11 new songs on ‘Hitting the Ground Running’ show the full breadth of their influences as the songs cover a wide landscape, taking the listener from Australia to Spain to a handful of songs that focus on the North of England, including a pair of songs that focus on Roman Northumberland, and were written for the ‘All Along the Wall’ project.
To match the considered lyrics and beautiful vocal performances, the duo have assembled a fantastic band including Howard Lees, Neil Fairclough and Bryan Hargreaves (guitars, bass & drums respectively), and there are appearances from Troy Donockley (pipes & whistle) and Joe Broughton (strings) across the album.
Highlights include the two ‘All Along the Wall’ songs, ‘Rock of Gelt’ and ‘Bridge Over Time’ (the first one a co-write with Ruth Notman) are central points on the disc, and the title track really highlights the qualities of the pair as writers and arrangers with a song that focuses on characters and tale of split family loyalties.
The whole collection is considered, without ever being too conservative – the lyrics and melodies, arrangements, and overall presentation show why Chris & Julie are one of the most respected duos in the UK.

1 Carved in Stone

2 The Coldest Winds Do Blow

3 Rock Of Gelt

4 We're Not Over Yet

5 The Darkest Wood

6 Somewhere I Walk Alone

7 Hitting the Ground Running

8 Four Walls

9 Bridge Over Time

10 Ghost Of You

11 Where the Year Has Gone