Luxembourg-based folk-punk outfit Schëppe Siwen are new to me, but I believe this is their fourth studio album and is a blast from start to finish. Somehow, they manage to fit ten musicians onstage and, in the studio, with four trumpeters, a flautist, an accordionist, a bassist, a drummer, a guitarist and a frontman who not only sings but also provides violin. In many ways they make me think of a combination of The Whisky Priests, The Levellers and The Pogues but with additional brass. There is plenty of energy as they combine influences from loads of styles, including folklore, punk, classical, hip-hop, rock, reggae and ska, and that they do not perform in English must be commended.

There are few accordion players who have as much impact on a band’s music as Glenn Miller, who with his twin Gary formed the much missed but highly influential The Whisky Priests, but here Isabelle Chaussy more than holds her own in the raucous creation which is Schëppe Siwen. There are times when we get more drinking songs than one might think necessary, but it all fits with the image and their musical style, and the way the arrangements have been created one cannot imagine them needing any less in the band than they have as it all fits, is all incredibly balanced, and just works. The way they flick through styles makes for a release when one never really knows what is coming next, and it is all the better for it. Jean-Marc ‘Jojo’ Wagner has quite a gruff style, but it is perfect when placed against the music as if his voice was thin, I am sure it would have just got lost in the mix. It is a wonderfully passionate album, and I know there will be plenty of people joining in the chorus of “De Perfekten Dag” even though it is not English.

For those who want their folk to have more balls than Fairport Convention and want to dance around with a pint of beer in their hand, this is for you.

Rating: 8/10

Links:
https://www.scheppesiwen.com/
https://oob-records.com/