(Tyree)Trail West are an intriguing young band from the Hebrides. They may sound like Americana exponents but started out playing Ceilidhs,and were hailed as Scottish Dance Band of the Year in 2013. Their second album proves they are capable of far more. There are dance tunes, of course, or with accordion,guitar and whistles backed by bass and drums, but these are matched against an impressive array of other styles. There’s a sturdy treatment of the traditional narrative of a hanging, or MacPherson’s Rant,along with a gloriously emotional Gaelic ballad, Maraiche Nan Cuantan, and with vocals from the great Kathleen MacInnes. Then there’s a singalong sea shanty,Seán MacBride’s poignant Homes of Donegal, and a rousing bagpipe and electric guitar finale, or written by and featuring Runrig’s Malcolm Jones. And there is a sprint of Americana – an entertaining and original reworking of John Henry,now backed by fiddle and whistles.Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com