Among the British progressive bands of the early 1970s, the Strawbs differed from their more successful compatriots in that their sound originated in English folk music rather than rock. Their transformation from acoustic bluegrass outfit to progressive folk-rock innovators was impressive, and they hit their stride with 1972's Grave New World and its follow-up, Bursting at the Seams. They survived a breakup at the end of the decade and went on to enjoy a robust revival period in the mid-'80s that carried them into the 21st century. In the 2000s, the Strawbs were particularly prolific, delivering an array of studio albums including highlights like 2005's Painted Sky and 2009's The Broken Hearted Bride. Over the years, the group has managed to remain stylistically adventurous on late-period outings like 2021's Settlement and 2023's The Magic of It All, featuring songs written for a film about the band's following in South Africa.