The second outing from The Hands Free combines chamber, jazz and folk traditions, improvised collectively in the studio from ‘simple sketches’. Each delightfully combines the timbres of banjo, violin, accordion and bass in often minimalistic openings that bloom into infectiously catchy rhythms and dense, energetic climaxes. The glorious tunefulness of On That Specific Pillow and dancing quality of the eponymous Upturned Cup are highlights. —Charlotte Smith
