RALLION - For No One and Everyone
Big Sky BS126
Good stuff, this! Edinburgh/Glasgow-based Rallion have been together since 2003 and feature Dutch-born Marieke McBean who handles all vocal duties, Stevie Lawrence (Ex Iron Horse), Andrew Lyons and Fiona Cuthill. Between them they play a variety of string-driven things (Bouzouki, Mandola, Cittern, Guitar etc) with the odd whistle and recorder thrown in. Marieke’s voice is delightful, which is hardly surprising as she was classically trained from the age of eleven. So is Fiona’s fiddle (and occasional Viola) playing. Outstanding guitar from Stevie throughout, driving or sensitive at need and technically really sound. Highlights for me are a tune set called Sleepless, and a rather quirky version of the old chestnut P stands for Paddy. Good fun being had by a group of fine musicians all well grounded in the Ceilidh and session scene. I have a few issues with the cover design, which is attractive enough but a little difficult to read in places, though I will admit my eyesight is not what it was. Festival bookers should check out their very good website at www.rallion.co.uk and bring them to a wider audience as quick as you like. I reckon they’ll go down well.
Phil Thomas
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this CD online from The Listening Post The Listening Post is the CD mailorder service of The Living Tradition magazine. This album was reviewed in Issue 72 of The Living Tradition magazine. |