In Fear Of Olive

In Fear Of Olive

In Fear Of Olive is a four-piece from Doncaster, originally formed as a guitar-led trio by Jake Cope, France Lahmar and P.J. Burdett. The line-up later expands to include multi-instrumentalist Arv Teeroovengadum, with drums and percussion added to complete the quartet. The band draws on American roots music, folk, country, blues rock and Americana, with influences that include Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Bright Eyes and the Nashville sound of the 1950s.

Releases

The band’s debut release is the four-track EP All We Can Do Is Wonder, issued in 2011 on the Wire-Sound label and distributed through Cargo. A second EP, Saluting Magpies, follows in 2012. The releases are described as including both stripped-back acoustic material and fuller arrangements with harmonies, lap steel, piano and blues-influenced playing.

Live work and media

In Fear Of Olive play extensively in 2011, with more than 60 gigs, including appearances at boutique festivals and support slots with Magazine. They also support King Charles, Lindi Ortega, Southside Johnny, The Beautiful South and Alabama 3. The band appears live in session on Clive Anderson’s Loose Ends on BBC Radio 4, and also receives plays and sessions on BBC 6 Music, BBC Leeds, BBC Humberside and BBC Sheffield. A public poll wins them four weeks of radio play on BBC Sheffield.

Sound and reception

The group’s music is described as moving between folk, rock, country, skiffling rock and roll, and American gothic, while keeping a recognisable identity across the songs. All four members sing, creating four-part harmonies. Jake Cope’s vocals and lyrics are a central feature of the band’s sound, and the set lists include a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues”.

Reactions to the band’s early releases and performances note their spacey arrangements, rawness, and maturity, with references to their “Doorsy” feel and to their blend of roots influences with contemporary urgency.