‘Needle & Thread’ is the second album by English folk singer Dom Prag. Featuring a mix of traditional songs and original material, the release quickly dispels any worries about second album syndrome as the Prag originals and traditional songs sit seamlessly together in the collection.
The album opener, ‘Van Dieman’s Land’ weaves a dark tale concerning the transportation of convicted poachers and the horrors experienced by both men and women faced with an uncertain future in indentured service on the other side of the world.
A haunting acapella rendition of ‘Foster’s Mill’ featuring additional vocals by Rowan Pigott and Rosie Hodgeson documents a scenario in which workers faced with the threat of modernisation robbing them of their livelihoods are forced to resort to violence to save themselves from starvation. The plight of the starving worker also is highlighted in a richly dark version of ‘The Brisk Lad’.
Prag is a classically trained guitar player, and as he effortlessly picks and strums his way through the album on his nylon-stringed guitar, the classical influence is apparent in his playing giving his music an additional depth.
Accompanied by his smooth vocal delivery, he is a compelling storyteller throughout the songs on the album. A fact that is evident by one of his original compositions ‘The Shoemender’. A beautifully sombre tale underpinned by the cello of Joely Koos, it shines a light on the ongoing deterioration of the modern-day high street.
Two more originals round out the album; the gentle rousing ‘Come All You Fine Young People’, again featuring the work of Rowan Piggott, Rosie Hodgson and Joely Koos blended together in harmony around Prag’s uplifting lyrics, while the sparse ‘Needle & Thread’ provides a stripped back take on Prag’s own journey of self-awareness in the face of contemporary social and political upheaval.
On ‘Needle & Thread’, Drom Prag firmly cements his credentials as a songwriter, musician, and storyteller. His subtle and understated playing allows the songs to breathe and develop as they transport the listener into the worlds described within the music. Without doubt, he is an artist on the ascendency and is one to look out for as he is sure to have a bright career blessed with success and longevity.