Album Review: A Handful of Sky by Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll
If you’re the kind of person who thinks folk music is just people strumming acoustic guitars in huts while drinking tea (no judgment, we’ve all been there), then A Handful of Sky might just slap some sense into you. Released in 2014 on Wild Goose Records, this UK-born gem from Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll blends rock, folk, world, and country vibes with a style that’s firmly rooted in traditional folk—but don’t let that fool ya. This ain’t your granddad’s sing-along session unless your granddad was secretly cool.
The album kicks off with “Terra Da Lua / John of Paris,” and holy moly, it sets the tone like a warm hug from someone holding a pint. The fiddle work here? Chef’s kiss. It’s toe-tappingly infectious but also kinda mysterious, like when you hear an old story about smugglers or lost treasure. You can practically smell the sea salt wafting through the speakers. And speaking of stories, “The Cruel Mother” grabs your attention like gossip overheard at the pub. It’s haunting, raw, and sticks to your brain like bubblegum on a hot day. You’ll find yourself humming it hours later, wondering why you suddenly feel so melancholy yet oddly uplifted.
Now, I gotta mention “Regent’s Fete / Take A Dance / Darby Kelly / Cock Of The North.” Yeah, yeah, it’s got one of those titles that sounds like someone spilled their Scrabble tiles, but trust me—it’s worth it. This track feels like stumbling into a barn dance where everyone knows the steps except you. By the end, though, you’re stomping along anyway because how could you not? The energy is contagious, and if this doesn’t make you want to grab a partner and spin ‘em around the room, maybe check your pulse.
One thing I love about this album is how unpretentious it feels. There’s no flashy production tricks or autotune nonsense—just solid musicianship and tunes that sound like they’ve been passed down through generations. Tracks like “Dance With Ease / The Dressed Ship” are proof that sometimes simplicity hits harder than anything else. Plus, bonus points for sneaking in quirky song names like “Mrs Lovetts Pies / The Prince Of Arabia.” Honestly, who wouldn’t wanna know more about pies AND princes?
So, what’s the takeaway here? Well, A Handful of Sky isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s perfecting it. Whether you’re a die-hard folk fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, this album has something for everyone. Listening to it feels like finding a hidden path in the woods—you think you know where you’re going, but then it surprises you with twists and turns you didn’t see coming.
And hey, if nothing else, listening to this album will give you serious wanderlust. Just don’t blame me if you end up booking flights to Cornwall after hearing “The Cornwall Apprentice.”
Final verdict? Solid gold. Or should I say… wild goose gold?
