Whilst watching Jools Holland a while ago, I came across a musical term that I had never heard before as he described the echoing sound of new band "The Staves". The phrase was "Blood Harmony".
The Jackson 5, the Isley Brothers, Oasis, Mumford & Sons, Kings of Leon; we've all heard the beauty and individuality of songs performed by siblings. This combination of related voices is rightly named a "Blood Harmony", describing the perfect tone captured when immediate family members sing together. It often sounds as if a single person is harmonising with their own voice, a deep blood magic that makes the tone effortless. Scientifically, genetics have proven that immediate family members share the same tone to their voice, as a result of a mix of the same nature and nurture, making the voices easy to blend into one another. I like the idea that only family members can achieve this level of harmony and the way in which the siblings have to rely on each other to get the perfect tone.
The first on my "Blood Harmony" playlist is up and coming sister act "Haim". The three siblings grew up playing covers in a band called "Rockinhaim" with their parents, but have since developed their own style. With influences from Fleetwood Mac, contemporary R'n'B bands like Destiny's Child and supporting the likes of Mumford & Sons, this L.A trio combine sounds of folk and R'n'B, mixing their softer voices with punchy beats to create a thrilling 80's vibe. With Alana, the youngest, on keyboard and percussion, Danielle on guitar and Este, the eldest, on bass, this band have a full set, and with lead vocals from all three sisters, the harmonies are interwoven between each other, creating an exciting, spoken pace. The band are signed to Polydor Records and often work with top urban producers to give the folky tunes a techno/hip-hop edge, inciting a dancing rhythm in us all. New listeners, try "Falling" or "Forever" and get ready to hear incredible blood harmonies.
The Staves Source: Google Images
The second is The Staves, a three-girl folk-rock band from the UK, who have been making music together since they were children. Emily, Jessica and Camilla Stavely-Taylor build up a calming influence through their music and whilst the comparisons to Haim are inevitable, there is definitely an English-rose style apparent through their defined accents and lyrics. With this band the blood harmonies really come into their own- their tones mix together cleanly, building the stories and dynamics of the songs. This is beautifully evident in their acapella song "Wisely & Slow", which only features any instruments, other than their voices, right at the end. The lyrics and strong and their voices are rich and echoing throughout the song, emphasising the musical bond between this family. With similarities to Joni Mitchell and Laura Marling and producing backing vocals for Tom Jones, the flawless sound of this three-piece band has already captured the hearts of many fans, bringing this quiet band into the spotlight.
" Heavy of heart, weary of soul."
Hudson Taylor Photo Source: Google Images
And finally, another new sibling duo are Hudson Taylor, consisting of Alfie and Harry Hudson-Taylor. Brothers from Dublin, these two have worked their way up from busking on the street to supporting the likes of Jake Bugg through their YouTube channel success. Their folky sounds and quirky, Irish tones are mesmerising, creating atmospheric songs with incredible energy through their performances. They are said to draw influences from their parent's record collection, with the likes of Simon & Garfunkel and Crosby, Stills & Nash inspiring their raw, intimate folk/pop mixture. I was recently lucky to see them sing with Gabrielle Aplin as a surprise addition to her tour at KOKO. In addition to incredible stage presence, their modesty, brotherly-banter and Irish charm bring out a unique combination of male vocals and gentle harmonies.
In my ears, the sounds created by these bewitching blood harmonies really bring new life and exciting rhythms to the folk genre, what do you think? Have you heard any other blood harmony groups?
CIA
