Karine Polwart - Faultlines

(January 2004) 11 tracks: Only One Way * Faultlines * Four Strong Walls * The Sun's Comin' Over The Hill * Resolution Road * Waterlily * What Are You Waiting For? * Skater of The Surface * Harder to Walk These Days Than Run * The Light on The Shore * Azalea Flower.

Winner of the 2005 Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Album and Best Original Song (The Sun's Comin' Over The Hill). Horizon Award - Karine Polwart.

The debut solo album by singer/songwriter Karine Polwart. Karine's edgy songwriting has already won her acclaim on the UK folk-roots scene. But Faultlines makes a mockery of lazy pigeon-holing and heralds a bold solo sound for the Edinburgh-based musician. Though it resonates with roots influences, the CD is resolutely contemporary in feel and incisively intelligent in lyrical content.

Taking the step from band member (of Malinky) to solo artist can be daunting, but Faultlines has benefited from Karine’s decision to do it in supportive company. With brother Steven (acoustic and electric guitars, banjo), Mattie Foulds (drums, percussion), and the mesmeric electro-harp effects of Corrina Hewat, the CD has a distinctive sound, rounded out by Kevin McGuire's resonant double bass and guest contributions on banshee fiddle, calypso horns and melodeon.

"I've got big ideals and love big ideas. And I'm really fascinated by the power and limitations of song as a way of changing how we feel or we look at things. But I'm always looking for the wry, sideways view. It's much more effective and makes for better music." (Karine Polwart)

"irresistably catchy with exquisite lyrics..." (The Times)

"a songwriter of rare power" (Mojo)

"seriously engrossing" (The Telegraph)