Missy Lorelei believes Jo Mango are 'something a bit special'.
An obsession with the cloud created by migrating flocks of birds and the dark twisted lyricism of African fairytales are not the most common themes threading throughout most folk bands’ repertoire- but then, Jo Mango are not the most prosaic of folk bands…indeed, to label them as such would be to do them a great disservice.
The eccentric Glasgow-based quartet, who are named after their endearingly bonkers lead singer, are supporting Laetitia Sadier tonight, but definitely merit their own review- they are something a bit special.
Opener ‘Evermore’ is a thing of music box delicacy, with Jo’s pure, shivery vocals weaving around her sparse kalimba -playing chimes.
Elsewhere the instrumentation is similarly compelling, as with ‘The Moth and the Moon’ ‘s xylophone and drones: birdsong; chilling murmurs from bandmates Jim and Katherine, concertina wheezes and handclaps power the rest of the set, which includes a song- cycle influenced by Angela Carter’s feminist re-appropriation of fairytales.
The vastly overrated Florence Welch should listen and perhaps she would learn how much more effective ( than her bovine bellow ) a whisper can be.
A lovely find- little butterfly kisses for reticent romantics.
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