Here I Stand

Here I Stand is a lush sounding work that plays on the band's own depth--the cello and violin are used to great effect, live engineer Aleric Neville's production is pristine--plus calling on a number of guests to add extra dimensions.

Vocally, Chumbawamba bolster "This Is The Voice" (perhaps one of the Oysterband's finest moments to date) and Rowan Godel adds a delicious harmony to stand out track "Street Of Dreams". Elsewhere, musicians as diverse as Gino Lupari and Wild Slim Mustapha add an international feel to what is mainly an endearing set of songs. The rather embarrassing sloganeering of past efforts has largely been forsaken--although "Ronald McDonald's head between two slices of bread" induces a wince--in favour of the vignettes that have always been their strength. Here I Stand is an apt title, the sound of a group of middle-aged men comfortable with themselves whilst casting eye towards pastures new.