Windborne

Closing their UK tour at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Windborne—a vocal folk quartet known for their intricate harmonies and dedication to traditional polyphonic music—delivered an intimate performance. Their sound, shaped by years of friendship, study and travel wrapped the audience in a vocal embrace.

The concert was wholesome, sometimes moving, sometimes verging on twee. 'Grey Funnel Line' was beautiful, floating through the space like an ethereal sea breeze. For paghjella, they gathered around a single microphone, channeling the raw energy of traditional Corsican singing. This was my personal highlight— impressive and immersive. More like learning a game than a song, the style builds harmonies in the moment. Their voices wove together enchantingly, and while none were standout soloists, their collective sound had an undeniable warmth.

They had a lot to say, introducing each song with earnest explanations that made it clear they take their craft seriously. 'Lady of the Harbour' came with a pointed remark about how society has failed to live up to the ideals of the Statue of Liberty, underlining their belief in music as a force for change. Sincere? Yes. A little on the nose? Sure, but undeniably heartfelt.

St Martin-in-the-Fields is a stunning venue, but the acoustics didn’t help them. The sound was often too quiet, dulling the impact of their harmonies. Still, they carried themselves with confidence, well-versed in adapting their music to different spaces. Their long-standing friendship was evident, adding to their charm. Lynn Rowan’s foot percussion was particularly impressive, injecting a natural rhythm into the set.

And then there was the merch—shamelessly flogging CD-books, stickers, and even branded socks—a full folk-band hustle. Endearing? Yes. A little much? Also yes.

Would I pay to see them again? Probably not. But would I listen to their music in a non-ironic way, perhaps during yoga or while staring wistfully out of a window on a rainy day? Absolutely. Their magic lies in the depth of their harmonies and their commitment to folk traditions. Not groundbreaking, but a well-executed and sincere finale to their UK tour.

Windborne's latest album 'To Warm The Winter Hearth' is out now.


Photo credit: Matthew Muise