Boiled in Lead - BOiLeD iN lEaD

All Music Guide

The first album from Boiled In Lead may not have been as eclectic as those that followed, but there were signs even then that this was no ordinary band. The style was dubbed folk-punk and at times did have punkish energy, but there was always more precision, virtuosity, and delicacy than really fit the label. The basics of the Boiled in Lead sound are set forth with an eclectic selection of traditional music played with sizzling intensity and non-traditional instrumentation, such as the sax solo in the midst of "Banish Misfortune." Though Leadheads who encounter this album after hearing later work will probably enjoy it, there are several elements that set it apart from later albums. First is the vocals, both Jane Dauphin's sweet soprano and Drew Miller's low-voiced, almost spoken delivery. Dauphin takes most of the leads with a lyrical, almost purely traditional style that makes an interesting contrast to the musical mayhem. Though she performed on the next album, it was mostly as a b...ackup singer, and without the tracks on this album her gifts might be unnoticed. Drew Miller's vocals are also surprising, not because of their virtuosity but because after this album he stopped singing entirely. As the track "Byker Hill" shows, his voice is no great instrument, but he can use it very effectively, and on the tracks where he and Dauphin sing together, the combination is splendid. The instrumentals on this album also have distinct differences from later work, notably in the excellent fiddle duets between Dave Stenshoel and Brian Fox. Fox plays on about half the tracks here, and on pieces like "Jamie Across the Water," he gives outstanding support to the rest of the band. Boiled in Lead would go on to wilder leaps of fancy and more extravagantly eclectic work, but though this album points in some directions that were never followed, the seeds of greatness are apparent. The album received rave reviews from a variety of publications and was in several best-of lists when it was released. The whole album was re-released on the Old Lead CD, along with "Hotheads" and two previously unreleased tracks. Note: The album is sometimes referred to as "Bold Ned" due to the strange typography on the cover. Connoisseurs of album art should seek out a vinyl copy and hope it has the innersleeve with the liner notes, as the humorous modern versions of traditional Irish art are both funny and beautiful. - Richard Foss, All Music Guide Read more Less