Folk London Magazine: Review of ‘Into the Winter's Night’ by Owl in the Sun

By Pal Carter, Folk London Magazine, Edition no.343, pages 48-49 (June-July 2026)

Must Listen:  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had better begin by saying if your preferences are solely for traditional folk music then this album is possibly not for you. But it has firm roots in country & western, references to historical places, ways of life, personal and social relationships, hopes and dreams – set to some of the most exciting arrangements I have ever heard.

Colin Cain (guitar, banjo and ukulele) has written nine of the 12 tracks, one in collaboration with Michael Hammond. Two were written by Tim Crozier-Cole (guitar) and one by Cathy Crozier-Cole (double bass and flute).
Other band members include Damon Bridge (accordion, piano, percussion), Kate Bridge (violin) and Tom Cain (washboard, percussion). All sing.

These songs have a tale to tell. It begins with West To Portland, the story of an unhappy waitress who needs rescuing from an unfulfilling life. However, the tune, the flowing, steady rhythm, the bass and harmonious chorus infuse an infectious optimism into it all.

“Into the winter’s night” is a line in the chorus of Stars In A Box. The lyrics have an element of sadness set to a magical and rhythmic melody, with minor chords and passages scattered throughout. The arrangement has great creative contributions from accordion, guitar and violin.

Arrangements are a huge feature of the whole album. Incredibly tight, the feeling is of the whole band playing as one. Listen out for bass and piano in Hall Of Mirrors, flute passages in Rocket’s Song, Doggerland and Dr Stage, fiddle in The Brookes Slaver and The Margarita Swing, accordion in Witness Marks, bass lines making profound contributions throughout. And don’t miss Hush Hush, a picture of secretive dealings with more mesmerising rhythms.

The Margarita Swing conjures up visions of the 1920s and 30s, historical characters, gangsters, playwrights, cocktail bars. A tight rhythm holds it all together and the lyrics just make you want to dance (or have a drink). Join the party!

Dr Stage is similar, another brilliant arrangement, this time looking at overcoming stage fright.

The Brookes Slaver and Witness Marks look at working men, a shipbuilder and a carpenter respectively. Their connections past and present are perceived through their connections with those they work for. Again, profound lyrics lead to thinking about how to consider others.

This has to be one of the best albums I have ever reviewed.