Sean Holden has been a drummer since the age of nine. That might not sound entirely relevant here, but stick with the story...
Having learning a little guitar at an even earlier age, the nearest thing he's ever had to a religious experience was the first time he sat behind a drum kit. Having had parents who loved music he was lucky in having a supportive environment in which to pursue this, and consequently he's played for quite a few rock bands, the best of which was Underground Zero, and also did quite a bit of big band and small group jazz in London before having a second life-changing experience at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2001. On this occasion, hearing the sound of a mandocello in Show of Hands' set led to an "I have to learn to play one of those" moment, and then to a re-discovery of the joys of the guitar, and the bouzouki and mandolin, and then singing. The singing bit also involved an unhealthy quantity of beer.
He now plays acoustic music of varying styles with Cruel Folk and as a solo artist. He also built and runs the studio where Cruel Folk record, and maintains the web site. This is in addition to the day job.
Paul Holden began playing guitar at the age of about twelve, because his brother did, then stopped at the age of about twelve and three days, because he could only play My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean, and that was only recognisable if he told people in advance what it was.
He then started again at the age of seventeen, and apart form a slight lull when he was married, hasn't stopped since.
Influences
Show of Hands, Kate Bush, Martin Carthy, Joni Mitchell, Kate Rusby, Martin Simpson, Eliza Carthy, Nic Jones.
Sounds Like
A dark, sword-wielding horseman loitering outside the door of your farmhouse.
"Accomplished debut cd from East Anglian siblings Sean and Paul Holden, whose stock-in-trade is vital original songs with a keen sense of English tradition, self-accompanied on assorted guitars and mandos. Though there's definite kinship with the likes of Show of Hands and Brother Crow, they have a strongly individual voice and the end result almost always impresses." - fRoots Magazine, January 2009.
"The English acoustic folk tradition is alive and well and this is where you'll find it - in the sounds of Cruel Folk. " - Folkwords, 2007.
Whilst love, loyalty and other lies appear in myths and are translated into many folk stories, Cruel Folk remove any redeeming hope from their tales. "The Greenwood Tree" fittingly ends the album with a traditional story of haunting from the grave; a dark tale told with perceptive lyrics and delightful instrumentals. The album is thought provoking, its stories can be uncomfortable listening maybe, don't
look for happy endings; but the music is great and the messages of interest. folking.com, February 2009.
"Indeed, Show of Hands is the closest musical reference point for Cruel Folk. If you like the sound of that popular duo then you might like this duo too. The guitar-dominated musical texture is rather pleasing, and the production brings this out well, adding plenty of neat little touches to boot. This collection also contains some strong melodies, some thoughtful, witty and sensitive lyrics and evocative vocals, suggesting that Cruel Folk’s appeal doesn’t rest upon their penchant for gothic gruesomeness as much as they might think." - Moving Tone, 2008.
"The songs show the brutality of war how it dehumanises and becomes about survival and getting home. People don't write songs like these anymore? Cruel Folk do!" - Fatea Records, 2008.
"This is traditional English folk ... performed with joy." - Acoustic Magazine, 2008.
Cruel Folk write, record and perform original acoustic music in the modern English singer-songwriter tradition. A duo consisting of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Sean Holden and guitarist Paul Holden, their songs are rooted in the English folk tradition, telling stories of love, betrayal and death with passion and an open acknowledgement of the darker side of life. At the same time, Cruel Folk are unashamedly devoted to the ongoing renewal of this tradition by aiming themselves firmly at the acoustic music scene of the present, incorporating modern writing and playing techniques and influences ranging from Kate Bush to Jennifer Batten via Show of Hands.
Cruel Folk's debut album Love, Loyalty and Other Lies is available now, for £8-50 including postage and packaging.
Both of our CDs can be purchased by credit card or through your PayPal account: just click on "Buy Now" and follow the instructions.
The track listing is: Foreign Lands, Cold Blood, Before I Walk Away, Worst Nightmare, For the Cause, Magic's Almost Gone, What's Done is Done, Merry England, Greenwood Tree.
Our three track EP Three New Songs is also still available for £3-00 including postage and packaging.
The track listing is: Magic's Almost Gone, Worst Nightmare (short version), For the Cause.
Or you might just like to watch us live at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2006.
Hello There! I really enjoy your music, and I hope that you like mine as well. I would love it if you could check out the widget on my page and listen to my song - Window, Window - as many times as you like. I'm only asking because I entered the Myspace Records Unsigned Artists Competition, and I would love to have as many plays as possible. Thanks a lot!!
Are you looking for a new violin or viola bow? My carbon fiber bow was designed for people that play lively music, especially fiddlers
Check it out: http://adamrsweet.com/mybow.html
Thank you
Hi Cruel Folk, I Draw Slow are playing The Cobblestone, Smithfield in Dublin on Wednesday 24th June, supported by the amazing Thomas Kitt. Doors are at 8.30 and admission is €10, a small price to pay to see the citys two premier acoustic acts don't you agree? On the off chance you disagree, come down on wednesday next to the Cobblestone, Smithfield Dublin and we'd be happy to discuss it.
Hi Cruel Folk. We will be releasing a 10 track pastoral psych folk CD entitled 'midsummers' on 24th June 2009. midsummers is currently available to buy from our website www.millersounds.co.uk . You can hear some tracks from midsummers on our myspace player. Best wishes, The Rowan Amber Mill.
‘Hi Cruel Folk’ just come across your link pic again Haven’t heard from you on this myspace thing For a while. so clicked on to say how yer doing & listen to yer stuff again As it really hits the spot. still dig them Hats yer have there. We are still singing playing & Bouncing as ever. Cheers to you from Devon’s most fiery raucous and hairy rocking folk band The Dambuskers. A legend in their own lunch time. Keep Music Live and keep it real!!!. -
Hello and welcome again Lads. That roll of the drums of Merrie England and the Hang rope should be for me lol. We met before but was trying after time to set up a site like this one. I searched for my ol friends. Glad you are here.
Hope you are SURVIVING these crazy economic times! Enjoy our new video "Whiskey Tonight" and stop by our site for a FREE download of the new song. Yes, something for FREE. Cheers!
Hi! Just wanted to say we have a new music video of the song "I am Yours" posted on our profile, which won the Lifegate Radio Talenti per Natura contest last year. Hope you enjoy it! Stop by and let us know what you think anytime.
I hope that you have enjoyed the weekend and are looking forward to the week ahead. And I hope especially that you are enjoying this very moment in time!
Would you do me a great favour, please? I'm trying to get some of my music recognised a bit more on the internet. Could you please go to www.ourstage.com and search for Tangent Man. Then please play ‘A Most Extraordinary Dream’ as many times as you want! This should help the song rise up the respective chart! If you open it up with the play arrow, the song should repeat play - so you can turn off the sound and minimise it and you won't even have to put up with my voice! Thanks.
hey cruel folk, thanks a lot for becoming friends and for your kind words. your music is simply beautiful, i love to listen to them. kind regards from vienna, norb
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