Bugbears is Hayman's excellent follow up to 2012's The Violence. It continues his investigation into fear through interpreting 17th Century folk songs; performed with long-term collaborators, for this record collectively described as 'The Short Parliament.' Through the stories selected for this album, Hayman takes us from less hopeful scenarios like that of a woman 'Seven Months Married' to songs with philosophical arguments for the oppressed, such as 'The Contented.' Amongst the chaptering instrumentals, he even includes a march celebrating the overshadowed parliamentarian Thomas Fairfax. Hayman has adapted these songs loosely for a modern pop record; making the melodies more diverse than he discovered them and abbreviating the number of verses in the ballads. The hearts of the songs have been treasured in their time-travelling.
[2013.07.15] for NARC Magazine.
