its catchy title track .. typifies the thoughtful and well-crafted nature of the duo’s songwriting, as well as their keen sense of humour.
Review. Folk London June/July 2025
Folklondon.co.uk
Milton Hide Bungaroosh
Howdy Records HOWDY5
Bungaroosh is the third full-length album from Milton Hide, an East Sussex duo comprising Jim Tipler and Jo Church. The eye-catching album title is a conversation stopper that may initially cause some puzzlement – but it’s easily explained. It refers to a term from the building trade signifying walls that were put up quickly and cheaply in the Regency period then rendered to give a smooth finish. A useful metaphor for people and places that hide their true nature behind a classy façade, providing the album with its catchy title track, which typifies the thoughtful and well-crafted nature of the duo’s songwriting, as well as their keen sense of humour. Bungaroosh is one of those albums where each track springs a surprise, where the listener is kept guessing what’s coming next – but in a good way.
Jim and Jo are happily eclectic and prove adept at a wide variety of styles, from folky tales of local legends or characters (Simon’s Nick), simple melancholy ballads (Hayreed Lane, Small Boats), ethereal folk-rock (Quicksand Calling, a powerful tale of modern slavery set among the beauty and danger of Morecambe Bay) to rocking, fun fantasy zydeco (Voodoo Queen) and heavy-treading political commentary (Spoil The Game).
Musically, too, they range wide, moving from banjo-flecked Americana (Old Tom’s Story) to the cheeky, 30s-raggy-style Festival Of Freaks (I can sure identify there!), while some tracks are set squarely in the 70s rock and pop idiom, and enjoy a harder-edged full band sound (“scorching” electric guitar solos and all!) created by producer and multi-instrumentalist John Fowler. These fuller settings are enterprising and stimulating, and make for a thoroughly enjoyable ride, but in the end my favourite moments come with the stripped-back acoustica of The Wonder (a moment of calm reflection amid the bustling action of the surrounding tracks) and the “hidden track” at the end, Jo’s characterful banjo-backed account of the traditional Maid Of Bedlam.
Available from miltonhide.bandcamp.com
David Kidman