Presenting traditional folk melodies alongside the raw gusto of the 70’s rock movement sounds like an unsavoury recipe for disaster. But with third album, ‘No Witch’, the Cave Singers endeavour to accommodate a handful of styles without too much of a fuss. Consequently this shows the band to be in several very different places over the course of this record.
'Gifts and the Raft' and 'Swim Club' mark a positive, if not subtle beginning by transmitting tender patterns of picked electric guitar, soothing vocals and deliberately basic beats.
Now there is certainly no shame attached to seeking inspiration from others and the Cave Singers make no secret of their appreciation for the finer sounds of years gone by. And whilst the simplicity of the softer, more stripped back songs is positively endearing, it’s when the Seattle trio up the ante and adopt a blues-rock approach that they are really at their best.
'Black Leaf' from the very outset hints at a Fleetwood Mac influence (pre Peter Green's untimely departure) as singer Pete Quirk introduces his gravelly, rasping vocals over a layer of edgy guitar and offbeat drums. 'Falls' boasts a hypnotic rhythm throughout and implements organ reminiscent of the great Ray Manzarek during its inviting hook. Embracing the trippy boundaries of the experimental, Derek Fudesco's reverberated guitar tones engineer a certain air of mystery on ‘Outer Realms’ and 'Faze Wave' where both assume and project a psychedelic mood. 'No Prosecution If We Bail' finishes the album in some style, only further highlighting the bands ability to rock out.
The ebb and flow of 'No Witch' sometimes leaves you wondering just who the Cave Singers really are. But one thing's for sure, its definitely fun finding out.
Stereoboard Album Rating: 7/10
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Now there is certainly no shame attached to seeking inspiration from others and the Cave Singers make no secret of their appreciation for the finer sounds of years gone by. And whilst the simplicity of the softer, more stripped back songs is positively endearing, it’s when the Seattle trio up the ante and adopt a blues-rock approach that they are really at their best. 
