REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

SKERRYVORE - Chasing The Sun
Tyree Records TYREE06CD

Chasing The Sun is Skerryvore’s fifth CD since their formation some ten years ago. Having only heard one before, this statistic came as a bit of a surprise, as did the opening track. Starting with a gentle piano opening, I was expecting the mellow vocals of Alex Dalglish to kick in – but not so. Bang! In came the full band sound that is Skerryvore, before being treated to a song about a plea for listeners to find their voice – extremely relevant at the time of writing.

There’s a good mix of songs, with a contemporary feel and tunes to get you up and dancing. My stand out tracks are the aforementioned Can You Hear Us?, the acoustic version of Blown Away – although the full-blown version is pretty good - and Here I Am, a request to take the help on offer. In fact, I could have listed any of Alex Dalglish’s songs as favourites as they are all interesting and show a maturity of songwriting which has, presumably, developed over the years.

But that’s not to say that the other members just make up the numbers. Martin Gillespie shows fine touches on whistles and bagpipes, whilst there is some fine fiddle playing provided by Craig Espie. Add in there accordion and bass, percussion and guitar and you really have a full assured sound.

The band is going to town to promote Chasing The Sun, visiting four continents and 14 countries. On the back of that, this should sell well - and deservedly so.

www.skerryvore.com

Dave Beeby