Landfire by indie folk singer-songwriter Hannah Ashcroft bobs like roots porch rock with surf guitars

AP Track Review

Landfire by UK indie folkster / singer-songwriter Hannah Ashcroft was penned in South Australia and recorded at Pinhole Sound Studio in Manchester, England featuring members of The Travelling Band and BC Camplight. The song is propelled by a shimy shake beat and as the melody curls and weaves like a snake moving through sand it at once, feels like porch roots rock but also has elements of surf rock guitars and 60's go-go booted tones. Ashcrofts voice pushes a lot of flavors. There is a sense of reflecting on what brought her to a certain place. At times she sounds alluring, other times commanding, a bit torn and pissed off. I especially love when she says "in the dumps" and when she wails. Landfire feels cagey, roots rock cool with sand stuck to sweaty skin. 

“The track evolved from an intense living situation while working in the outback. It was a strange sensation, feeling both socially overwhelmed and completely isolated in a small, rural town.”

-
Robb Donker




THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:

From desert roadhouses to boutique festivals, Hannah Ashcroft has toured across the UK, EU and Australia with her inimitable brand of indie folk music.

Influenced by 60s songwriters, 90s alternative and a love of classical literature, she combines her unique guitar style with arresting vocals and poetic narratives. 

Fast gaining attention, she has been featured by Mary Anne Hobbs on BBC6 Music Recommends and this year, was selected to work with Mercury nominated artist Beth Orton as part of Brighter Sound’s ‘Both Sides Now’ initiative.

She has since performed at EU Parliament in Brussels, made debut appearances at Walton Folk Festival, Manchester International Festival and Dot to Dot Festival and is currently working on her debut album.

“If I were to stumble across a siren and they sang this to me, I’d follow them into the cold ocean depths without hesitation”

– Sarah Gosling (BBC Introducing)

“Underpinning all the songs is Hannah’s assured finger-picking guitar style with sympathetic accompaniment, and some fine melodies.” 

– Folk Radio UK

“It is the ability to combine beat and intricate guitar which makes Ashcroft’s indie-folk sound so rewarding.” 

– Bitter Sweet Symphonies