From: Pete Fyfe
[petefyfe_at_aol_dot_com]
Sent: 25 May 2012 10:09
Subject: Pete Fyfe: Skerryvore -
World Of Chances
Attachments: Skerryvore - World Of
Chances.jpg
SKERRYVORE - World Of Chances
(Tyree Records tYREE03CD)
I was really looking forward to
this, Skerryvore's fourth album. Unfortunately their major selling-point of
upfront Highland bagpipes that played such a major part of the overall sound on
their previous recording has been usurped by the more rustic charms of Daniel
Gillespie's accordion and Craig Espie's fiddle. OK, so the fiddle and accordion
were always part of the make-up but I'm not sure about them playing such a
pivotal role. Cast your mind back to a time when The Bluebells and Proclaimers
were king of the swingers, Skerryvore would have fit as snugly as a rawlplug
round a screw right alongside them. With Barry Caulfield (bass), Fraser West
(drums) and Alec Dalglish on vocals, guitars and mandolin and guest producer
Alan Scobie on keyboards and percussion in general the sound is pleasant but
for me at least rarely reaches the peaks of the band's previous outing. If,
however you're looking for a ?festival' band then songs such as the opening
track "Put Your Hands Up", the Big Country sounding "Magic Numbers" or the
goodtime Zydeco styled "The Last Time" could have you swaying hypnotically
along with your mates in a sweaty marquee. I'm sorry I couldn't have given this
recording a more positive review but then again, perhaps next time? www.skerryvore.com
PETE FYFE