Apples & Eve

“Love it!” - Nemone (BBC6)

'A work of resonating folk beauty' - Chris Hawkins (BBC6)

"A Startling Band" - Tom Robinson (BBC6)

"...entranced by Apples and Eve's atmospheric, seductive folk. The unsigned four piece provided a bluesy, mellow soundtrack that had hints of reggae undertones with off beat rhythms. Eva Rose caressed the intimate audience with effortless vocals that drifted along like a lullaby."
- Mark Shipp

"There are a glut of female singer songwriters at the moment, but this debut EP launch for local band Apples & Eve amply demonstrated the skill of front lady Eva Howells, who combines great stage craft with economic and skillful songwriting, a terrifically versatile voice along with an excellent backing band who all make their presence felt, making this as much a band effort as a vehicle for Howells. Musically, it’s a mixed palette that veers towards the darker end of the spectrum, helped along by the slightly Balkan and European feel of the rhythms and beats that befit a more cabaret style setting. Howells is just 20, and there’s plenty of promise here." - Jeff Hemmings

"It's rare to be completely beguiled by a song on its first listen, but I was immediately seduced by Brighton based band Apples & Eve's title track Dionysus. The gentle stirrings of the folk-influenced arrangement of 'Dionysus' piqued my curiosity and from then on this little EP has commanded my complete attention. Eve Rose (Eva Howells) has a mysteriously powerful voice that quivers with a restrained passion and raw emotion, which the fiddle accentuates perfectly, punctuating the verses and personifying the impeccably catchy choruses.

Eve is the sole songwriter of the band (who don't gig as much as they'd like due to an ongoing search to find the perfect line-up) and has always had the spirit of music coursing through her veins- for her 16th birthday, instead of make-up or a mobile phone, Eve was presented with her first guitar, and since then, they've been inseparable. Eve's talents also extend to the accordion and piano, which is her main instrument after learning to play from an early age. It's impossible to pin this EP under one single genre, as there are whispers of folk, gypsy, blues and even a little reggae through the songs, ensuring a relaxing but enthralling experience for the ears." - Sophie Babur-Puplett

"The moment the folk arrangements of opening track Dionysus, with it's accordion drenched beauty and vocals that could seduce the ears of the most committed cynic you know this is something to be proud that you've heard with your own ears. It's rare to listen to a song and be seduced instantly, but Dionysus does so with an easy charm. It could be the accordion or even the perfectly formed chorus but we'd like to think it's love on first listen!

Dionysus is worth the price of admission alone but fortunately there's more perfect folk loveliness to come. L'Homme is a percussive song with persuasive violin and perfectly pitched harmonies and it's a listen that strikes gold for the soul. It's the same for the remaining duo of songs as well. In fact it's almost a pity this is an E.P. rather than an album because the music itself is undeniably powerful in it's production and conception.

The undoubted highlight is Dionysus but the mysterious, smokey jazz folk of Creatures of the Sea comes in a close second on an E.P. that commands your attention with an ease found in only the most subtle of work. Miss this at your peril!" - Sebastian Gahan