Everyone knows seven is a number of incalculable mathematical significance in terms of the cosmos. A magic number, some would say. How fitting, then, that ‘The Derby Ram’ by Benjamin Wetherill is the seventh release from Leeds’ tastefully realised On The Bone Records, themselves the seventh attempt by the labels’ seven owners to form a successful independent record label (artistic licence author’s own). It’s no surprise, then, to those comfortable around numbers, to learn that this marvellous release contains not one, but two copper-bottomed early 21st century folk oddities of a decidedly enticing and enchanting nature. ‘The Derby Ram’ fair reeks of reliable precedents: a young Brian Ferry, if he’d turned to folk instead of glam, gliding elegantly over handclaps, wind instruments and electric guitar. Apparently, Wetherill set out to capture his own take on a traditional English folk song with ‘The Derby Ram’, and in many ways he’s succeeded. The record’s flip, ‘I Would Love To’, is insanely inventive, utterly compelling, and infectiously addictive, mashing, as it does, George Formby, Acker Bilk and Noel Coward! Off The Bone have gone off the map with this one, & where they’re going I have absolutely no idea, but if they’re playing Benjamin Wetherill’s debut LP on the tour-bus along the way, scheduled for release, incidentally, for later this very year, then I’m more than willing come along for the ride!

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