Sea of Tranquility
Michael Popke
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On Tempest’s tenth album, Shapeshifter, the ethnically diverse folk-rock band 
does, indeed, shift shapes. This is arguably the group’s most accessible collection 
of songs - a 10-track 50/50 split of charming original compositions and reworked 
traditional pieces that swell with Celtic warmth and character. The harmony vocals, 
courtesy of newcomer Sue Draheim (who also plays fiddle and viola) are more prominent 
than ever, and Norwegian singer Lief Sorbye expresses himself with a confidence 
that’s both authoritative and intimate. Rounding out Tempest’s 2003 lineup is Cuban 
drummer and Sorbye’s fellow founding member Adolfo Lazo, plus American bassist 
Mark Skowronek and Irish guitarist Ronan Carroll. 

While Jethro Tull comparisons are still valid mainly because of Sorbye’s singing style, 
Tempest’s sound remains distinct because of the band’s tendency to rekindle with 
contemporary drama and flair traditional 19th century songs you’ve probably never heard, 
such as the 10-minute murder ballad "The Cruel Brother" and the English coal mining 
rocker "Byker Hill." Likewise, Tempest’s original songs are just as captivating. "Carnival" 
is an acoustic mythological love song Sorbye wrote with his wife about a man who falls in 
love with a carnival woman known as a "shapeshifter" - from which the album derives its title. 
The mandolin-propelled "Winter Night" is lush with aural imagery, while "Natural Law" 
could be the only pop song the band has ever recorded. 

While previous Tempest albums tend to grow stale by record’s end, Shapeshifter holds the 
listener’s attention for the complete 47 minutes. If you’re new to the band, this is a 
perfect introduction. And if you’ve been a fan for any or all of Tempest’s 15 years, your 
faithfulness has now been justly rewarded.