Describing themselves as a "collective of singers and songwriters, plus one magician, opposed to the ideologically driven austerity programme imposed by this millionaire government", the Roadshow consists of 11 angry musicians from a remarkable variety of age groups. There's the impressive Grace Petrie from Leicester, who sounds like a young female version of Billy Bragg in both her lyrics and phrasing, and matches songs about austerity and the rich getting richer with the thoughtful and personal Protest Singer Blues. Then there's Robb Johnson with the singalong Be Reasonable ("and demand the impossible"), Reem Kelani with an oud-backed anthem from Tunisia, and – best of all – two distinguished folk-scene veterans. Leon Rosselson is now in his mid-70s, but still in fiery and witty form with Benefits and Looters, while Peggy Seeger reworks a swinging song from the 1930s with a rousing call of "Let's go to St Paul's and occupy!"
The Anti-Capitalist Roadshow: Celebrating Subversion – review
An 11-strong collective of angry young (and not so young) musicians whip up a remarkable protest-themed storm on this new album, writes Robin Denselow