‘Josephine’ is the second single from one of the hidden gems of British alternative-folk. Rhain spends most of her time split between the Isle of Wight and Bristol and there really must be something in the water down there. This is one performer unafraid to challenge norms and take a stand for independent women doing things their way on the folk scene.
Following somewhat in the steps of the likes of Laura Marling, there are clearly debts paid also to the work of Joanna Newsome, Florence Welch, and more notably, Kate Bush in what comes forth from Rhain. Alex Lee of Florence’s “The Machine” was won over by her talent as was Youth Lagoon’s Ali Chant and John Parish who is best known for his work with PJ Harvey.
Not many artists release their debut single with such an impressive band behind them but that’s exactly what happened as Rhain debuted ‘Humdrum Drivel’. The same session also saw the recording of ‘Josephine’ with a string score by Drew Morgan added to the mix, lending an eerier climatic sound to a song already fraught with discordant harmonies and otherworldly vocals.
You can catch Rhain around the UK over the summer including a slot at End of the Road Festival and a huge show supporting Folk and Tumble favourite Lucy Rose at Cecil Sharp House, the home of contemporary British folk.