England's Wolf People are steadily assembling a catalog of sounds that have critics racing for the right classic rock touchstones. The band's superb instrumental abilities have landed it comparisons to early Jethro Tull and Traffic, while its Englishness and sense of harmony put Wolf People in league with Liege & Lief–era Fairport Convention. The twin electric guitars of Jack Sharp and Joe Hollick turn nasty and slashing in all the right places, and the album's prominent hard stereo mix emphasizes the various group members. The guitar solos in "Athol" work to a formidable climax worthy of King Crimson and Television. Drummer Tom Watt and bassist Dan Davies aren't afraid to explore tricky turnarounds and ambitious syncopation when the time is right. This thoroughly engaging second album, Fain, was recorded in a house in the Yorkshire Dales perfectly in keeping with the traditional English and Scottish folk melodies that form the backdrop for these flights of fancy. Various guests—from Olivia Chaney to The Besnard Lakes' Jace Lasek and Stick in the Wheel's Nic Kearey and Rachel Davies—further fill out the sound.