Written by Dan Whitehouse and John Edgar, ‘Voices from the Cones’ is a fascinating piece of social history expressed through song cycle and narration. It explores the rich 400-year history of the glassmaking industry based around Stourbridge (Midlands, UK).

 

This is a double disc CD: The first explores the song cycle, predominantly written by Dan Whitehouse. The second is a repeat of the same songs but interspersed with the narrations of John Edgar and interview excerpts read by Malcom Andrews and Joan Plant.

 

This bespoke album draws on an eclectic array of musical influences. It effortlessly melts between folk, hip hop and electronica, which gives each story its own unique colour. For example, the track ‘Rouse Ye Women’ sung by Elizabeth J Birch, has a dark electronic flavour to it. Yet, this is immediately contrasted by the following track ‘Front Door’ which wouldn’t be out of place in a local pub cabaret.

 

The narrations and interview excerpts of the second CD compliment the songs wonderfully. They give a warm human touch with their personal accounts of the glassmaking industry, as well as providing humorous anecdotes. For example, the man skiving off for a pint or three and then giving the excuse of having a blood test and claiming he’s a slow bleeder!

 

The diverse musical influences, combined with the unique human touch of the narrations, lifts this album and its subject out of obscurity. It beautifully encapsulates an important local history, which otherwise could far too easily fade into the ether of times gone by.