Pool Of Sound - Cavalry

Based in Liverpool, the 'Alt-Folk’ five piece band Cavalry had a whirlwind year in 2014. They say if the term 'Alt-Folk' covers melding electric and acoustic indie aesthetics with honest songwriting in a unique way, then they’re happy with that. Two of them were childhood friends from Merseyside, and the other three met as students at the University of Liverpool. After a few twists of fate,their paths crossed in 2013, and they started 'Cavalry' as a fully fledged band in 2014 with a line-up of Steven Taylor on guitar, Gareth Dawson on drums, Alan Croft on lead vocals, Austin Logan on guitar and Paul James Jones on bass. With support from BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens who labelled them as ‘a BBC Introducing discovery’, plays on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6 , whilst also acquiring a large fan base with over 900 likes on Facebook, it was slightly puzzling as to why the guys remained so quiet until 2015. Regularly gigging around Liverpool, the band played venues such as the famous Kazimier and East Village Arts Club whilst also featuring on Sofar Sounds. Their music largely resembles that of 'Mumford and Sons' and 'Kodaline'. Previous songs by the band include 'An Understanding', 'Candyfloss' and 'Lament', all displaying elements of folk, country and rock that blend together to create the Americana sound. However Cavalry's songs, and in particularly 'Soak', retain their individuality by developing in ways that the listener least expects. Their single 'Leaves' features catchy guitar riffs, beautiful harmonies and emotive lyrics formed into a catchy chorus, 'All the leaves in my head will settle down with you'. It is a melodic song with great dynamic range and interesting harmonies, textural build ups and a great feel to it; similarly to their other well known song 'Lament'.

Peter Guy featured the band in the Liverpool Echo's 'Buzz Band of the Week' in 2015; 'Step forward, 'Cavalry'. A quintet who owe they sound to the American heartland; complete with refined vocal harmonies, beautifully textured instrumentation and more than a whiff of Stateside greats 'Buffalo Springfield' and 'Crosby Stills and Nash'.'.  They told him, "We all have really broad and eclectic tastes, but within those we have a shared admiration for 'The National', Bon Iver, 'Elbow', Ryan Adams – as well as the timeless influence of 'The Beatles', 'CSNY', Simon & Garfunkel. I think in general it’s true to say we love artists that can marry songs of great raw, intimacy with huge sonic scale and ambitious arrangement. Our five-way jukebox would currently play: 'The Everly Brothers', 'Manchester Orchestra', Ben Howard, Sylvan Esso, and Courtney Barnett."

 

In 2016, Euphoria Magazine wrote, "Call it exquisite, call it sumptuous, call it whatever you like and I promise you you'd be underselling 'Everything', the latest effort from emerging Merseyside quintet 'Cavalry'. Having already gained much attention for previous cuts 'Soak' and 'An Understanding' from the likes of Huw Stephens (Radio 1), Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), The Guardian and Music Week, this new single will deservedly attract a gluttony of critical acclaim for its cinematic luxury. The rolling drums, the lavishly drawn out vocals and the swelling guitars all combine to create a track in spectacular slow motion, possibly even bringing about a few misty eyes with all its emotive glory. The lads cite 'The National' and 'The Maccabees' among their influences and have had support slots for 'British Sea Power' and 'Stephen Malkmus & the Jiks' already. 2016 promises to be a busy year with additional single releases planned alongside slots at Liverpool Sound City and BBC Music Day. 'Everything' is released today via Fierce Panda and is available on iTunes."

December 2017 they unveiled their their brand new debut EP 'See The Night Perform' on Fierce Panda Records.  Consisting of four tracks produced by Darren Jones ('The Maccabees', 'The Last Shadow Puppets', Bill Ryder-Jones) it followed hot on the smouldering heels of a mesmerising live session for BBC Introducing Liverpool.
In 2019 Indie Obsessive said, "The band from Liverpool continues to deliver strong singles in a genre that we would identify as Vocals-driven Soft Rock. Going back to the 60s and the 70s, comparable bands would be 'The Hollies', 'America', 'Toto', 'The Eagles', and 'Seals and Croft'. The totality of music of 'Cavalry' is superior to some of those bands. Cavalry has assembled a loyal following (that includes Indie Obsessive). The step to widespread notoriety is to release a single that receives radio play in a wide range of countries, prompting more music lovers to dive into prior releases, such as 'Soak', 'Heresy' and 'Everything'.  The single 'Two Embers' is another that showcases the melodic and vocal skills of 'Cavalry'. The guitar is clean and attractive, while the percussion is deferential yet powerful. February 2018 saw them at the O2 Academy, Liverpool supporting 'British Sea Power'.

see also :- http://www.thefootballvoice.com/2023/04/pool-of-sound-sand-band.html