Bombadil: Bombadil

The members of Bombadil play their instruments with a faint, folky awkwardness that makes the music sound amiable. “Relax”, their playing says. “We’re comfortable, we’re here, having fun, making noise, and if you just want to rest and enjoy it, look, we’re happy with that. If you want to hum along or tap your fingernails on the table in time with the songs, that’s fine too. Good to see you here.” It’s the kind of homemade welcome that you get from grannies at craft fairs selling knitted rabbits. “Jellybean Wine” is all piano and rollicking melody with a plaintive voice and dinging noises, as if glasses are being tapped with spoons. “Tall Grass” has the cracked friendliness of the Presidents of the United States of America singing “Back Porch”. “Sinister Side” is a jaunty piece about a thief who steals a straw hat, a camera, and a backback with a history book inside. Bombadil is nothing earth-shattering, but it’s a very happy way to spend twenty minutes of your time.