The Holly and the Ivy: The Folk-Rock Revivalists

The Holly and the Ivy are a British folk-rock band known for their intricate vocal harmonies and modern reinterpretation of traditional English folk melodies. Formed in Manchester in 2010, the group achieved mainstream success with their 2016 debut album, "The Wren in the Furze," which charted in the UK Top 40 and earned a silver certification.

Early career

The band's founding members, vocalist Elara Vance and multi-instrumentalist Rowan Shaw, met while studying traditional music at the Royal Northern College of Music. They began performing as a duo in Manchester's pub circuit, blending Vance's crystalline soprano with Shaw's arrangements on guitar, mandolin, and concertina. Their self-released 2012 EP, "Hedgerow Songs," caught the attention of the independent label Willow Brook Records, which signed them later that year.

Breakthrough

The Holly and the Ivy's breakthrough arrived in 2016 with their debut full-length album, "The Wren in the Furze." Released on Willow Brook Records, the album entered the UK Albums Chart at number 32, a significant feat for a folk act on an independent label. Its lead single, "Greenwood Side," received extensive airplay on BBC Radio 2, driving album sales to over 60,000 copies and securing a BPI silver certification.

Key tracks

Greenwood Side — This reworking of a classic folk ballad served as the breakthrough single, introducing their signature sound to a national radio audience.

The Wren in the Furze — The title track from their debut album showcases their masterful vocal layering and complex instrumental interplay.

Brigid's Flame — A later single featuring a collaboration with singer Lisa Hannigan, which expanded their reach into the broader alternative music scene.

John Barleycorn — Their spirited version of this traditional song became a live favorite and a staple of their festival sets.

Following their debut success, the band toured extensively and released their sophomore album, "As the Crow Flies," in 2019. This record saw them experiment with fuller production while staying rooted in acoustic traditions, and it solidified their reputation as leaders of the new folk movement. They have since collaborated with artists like Seth Lakeman and contributed to the BBC television series "The Folk Anthology" soundtrack.

Fans of The Holly and the Ivy's melodic, harmony-driven folk-rock also enjoy the work of The Staves for their similarly exquisite sisterly vocal harmonies. The narrative songwriting of John Smith shares a deep connection with traditional British folk storytelling. The contemporary folk-rock energy of Mumford And Sons in their early work parallels the band's rhythmic drive. Lastly, the intricate acoustic craftsmanship of Laura Marling resonates with the band's sophisticated musicality.

The Holly and the Ivy's catalog is a regular feature on the playlists of specialty folk and acoustic radio stations, as well as on broader classic rock FM stations that champion singer-songwriter and roots music. Their tracks are frequently highlighted during themed programming blocks on independent music radio stations dedicated to promoting traditional sounds with a modern twist.

Listeners can discover the rich discography of The Holly and the Ivy by tuning into the folk-rock and alternative rock radio stations featured right here on onairium.com, where their music remains in steady rotation for fans of the genre.