Comprised of three members of the recently defunct band, Jugopunch, plus a new guitarist, ‘The Clay Faces’ sound is, not surprisingly, in the same vein of that rootsy, alternative-folk sound.

Instrumentally comprised of acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, percussion, harmonica and vocals distributed amongst the quartet, the sound is one of distinct and open clarity without distortion. This openness allows for easy discrimination between the various instruments as well as the vocals. All lyrics, too, are clearly discernible, but with apparent emphasis on vivid imagery. These elements combine to give a sort of timeless quality to the the songs found on this EP.

“The 3-Track EP” has, yes, three tracks, but also a video of the the opening song, “Football on the T.V.” and, for those with even just a passing curiosity in this band, is available for free on the band’s MySpace page. Also on the MySpace site are some examples of the band’s other songs, all cementing the impressions given by the E.P.

If you were a fan of the band, ‘Jugopunch’, you’ll definitely want to look into ‘The Clay Faces’. I’d also recommend this to anyone who likes the sounds of ‘Billy Bragg’, ‘The Men They Couldn’t Hang’, or to those interested in the idea of an English folk-rock band with rootsy, punky leanings.

2007

Review by Christopher Toler, THE Blathering Gommel

Jug’o’Punch is dead. Long live The Clay Faces. The mighty Jug’o’Punch may be no more but former members (Andrew – vox, Steve – banjo, Cara & Pauly) have cropped back up as the mighty The Clay Faces. This 4 track debut EP is very much in the hard-folk style of Jug’o’Punch though with a much lesser Irish influence and much more American. i.e.less Clancy Brothers, more Johnny Cash.

2007