The sounds of folk, bluegrass and country twist around each other as Claude Rains’ guitars, banjos and ukulele guitars go to work on top of the stomp of an infectious skiffle beat. Harmonicas wail and basslines walk up and around the room as we are introduced to a debut album simplistic in its beauty and strong with its stories. While the hum of the music sometimes hints at Americana, the heart and soul of Claude Rains was undeniably forged right here in New Zealand as we listen to tales of the seasons, love, and subtle political commentary on New Zealand society and the state of the world. The vocals of Murray Hewitt and Heather Weir float effortlessly across the understated musicianship of the Wellington trio. Sometimes separately, sometimes harmonising with each other, they collide with songs that rattle and dance like a southbound train or meander softly into the ether, leaving the gentle afterthought of folk music in the air. The album...