'1' is a low-key, self-released album from Equation members Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman. While as a band Equation concentrate on folk-rock, this album is an altogether more restrained piece of work, it's acoustic contemporary folk and a mixture of Trad Arrs and well chosen covers.
The acoustic approach works well in every respect - Kathryn's vocals are pure and clear, every inflection and expression is present, and the emotions in each song are wonderfully convey. The guitar work is rhythmic, tight, and dynamic; and the whole collection is well recorded and produced.
While this may be an acoustic album, that's not to say it's musically sparse, piano and clarinet are used, and two of the tracks are performed by Equation, and are perfectly in keeping with the atmosphere of the album.
Highlights are a superb cover of Tom Waits' 'Georgia Lee', and a wonderful reading of Richard Shindell's 'Spring'.
Self released it may be, but the quality of the recording, production and performances make this a superb album, and one of the best contemporary folk discs available.

£9.99