‘Under A Bloodshot Moon’ is the fifth long player by Welsh Folk-Rockers Rusty Shackle. Recorded post pandemic by the six-piece outfit in an old dairy barn the music draws on influences from classic folk, rock, Celtic and world music.
From the opening beat of ‘The Devil’s Pulpit’, the listener is immediately aware they are listening to a unique brand of folk rock. Multiple harmonies overlap tight acoustic musicianship making the song an instant foot stomping classic. Quickly followed by ‘Lanterns’ the band shift tempo into an Eastern themed song that delivers a message of positivity and strength.
As a band Rusty Shackle, know their chosen subject well. Great folk music should always have an element of the mysterious about it and songs such as ‘Songs of Siren’, ‘Blood and Thunder’ and ‘Gallows Song’ are rich with creativity and vivid imagery that lights up the imagination of the listener as they weave their folk-noir based tales.
Traditionally folk music was also the music of socialism and protest and ‘Under A Bloodshot Moon’ is no different. Showing an acute sense of social awareness with songs such as ‘Not This Time’ and the catchy ‘Love is the Answer’, Rusty Shackle excel in both their music song writing.
Delving deep into a rich vein of classic themes and melodies, ‘Under A Bloodshot Moon’, is an album that features rejuvenated positive and inspiring folk music for the twenty first century.