Rooted in Americana folk and shaped by a move from Nova Scotia to North East England, Crooked Path sees Mills & Farrell embrace a stripped-back, live approach that puts songwriting, harmony and emotional clarity firmly at the centre of the album. 

Mills & Farrell previously lived in Nova Scotia, but their new home in Consett, just outside Newcastle upon Tyne, has clearly inspired much of their latest album, Crooked Path. The duo present an earthy, no-nonsense take on Americana folk, built around two guitars and guided by rich, engaging vocal harmonies.

At a time when so much modern music is hidden behind slick, over-polished production, Crooked Path feels like a refreshing return to the genre’s roots. Mills & Farrell favour an honest and unassuming approach, choosing to record much of the album live on the floor at Canny Crow Studios. The delicately interwoven guitar lines ebb and flow around one another, often synchronising so seamlessly they give the impression of a single instrument at work. While the arrangements remain intentionally sparse, the carefully chosen male and female harmonies add warmth and depth, helping to carry the emotional weight of the lyrics.

In keeping with this stripped-back sound, the duo’s songwriting is refreshingly direct. Rather than hiding behind vague metaphors, Mills & Farrell tell their stories openly and sincerely, inviting the listener in rather than leaving them to second-guess meaning. The track Emily, set to a sweet country-tinged melody, offers a charming and relatable tale of someone more comfortable expressing themselves through their instrument — in this case, the fiddle — than through words.

Crooked Path is an unpretentious yet expressive album, understated in its delivery but rich in emotional resonance. It’s easy to imagine these songs finding a warm reception on the folk club circuit, where attentive listeners can fully immerse themselves in the narratives and craftsmanship of each track. 

New album "Crooked Path" to be released 28th March, 2026
Vinyl, CD, Bandcamp and selected streaming services (not Spotify or Amazon)

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