McDermott's Two Hours formed in Brighton in 1986 and were among the first groups to recognise the stirring potential of fusing traditional Celtic and English folk influences with the passion and vigour of punk-rock. A band that "cut the mustard" (Q Magazine), McDermott's soon earned themselves a reputation as one of the best live acts around. Their album, The Enemy Within, "a record that stands as a milestone in the development of new folk" (Rock 'n' Reel), is widely regarded as a folk-rock classic. Following appearances at Reading, Womad and Glastonbury festivals, as well as a series of gigs at London's Mean Fiddler, McDermott's split in 1991 as singer-songwriter Nick Burbridge stepped back from the limelight to pursue a literary career, and fiddler Tim O''Leary began work in the theatre.
Burbridge's lyrical integrity and sophistication have always been a central part of the band. His songs are characterised by an unnerving passion and a commitment to the dispossessed:
"…a mix of angry and tender lyrics sung to strong lively tunes…it's refreshing to see there are still people concerning themselves with things that matter on this scene." (The Living Tradition)
McDermott's were a major influence on The Levellers, who covered one track, 'Dirty Davey', on their eponymous album. Collaborations between the two bands produced three albums of Nick's songs released under the guise McDermott's Two Hours vs The Levellers: World Turned Upside Down, Claws and Wings and Disorder, all greeted with a positive critical response. Supporters include Maggie Boyle, and Damien Barber, who have covered different songs.
After more than ten years away from the live circuit, McDermott's re-launched and played a number of gigs, supporting The Levellers, appearing at festivals like Beautiful Days, Solfest and The Big Session, and releasing a live album recorded at Ferneham Hall. Ben Paley, "just about the best folk fiddler of his generation" (fRoots), Dil Davies (now of Oysterband), and Matt Goorney were the main members at this time. But appearances were sporadic, due to other commitments, and the ongoing struggle of their main man with depression. A new album, Goodbye to the Madhouse, appeared in 2007, as the inaugural release on OTF Recordings. It saw the band return to the form of The Enemy Within, combining Burbridge's cutting lyrical prowess with traditional arrangements, augmented by bass and kit drums. Produced by Tim Cotterell and Jeremy Cunningham and mastered by Jon Sevink, the album - an "epic collection that is essential listening" (R2) - sustained the band's close association with The Levellers while restoring McDermott's Two Hours to their own unique place in the scheme of things.
Their latest, long-delayed, but much anticipated album, Besieged, is due for release in 2012. Live work has not been a feature in recent times, but Nick Burbridge has also collaborated with Tim Cotterell on an acoustic album, Gathered, continuing a long commitment to making music for its own sake, without commercial aspirations, but aimed to take its place in the idiom.
