Based on True Events

After forming on a boat (the MV Halton) during the 2007 Orkney Folk Festival this quartet – consisting of Adam Bulley on mandolin and guitar, Ruaridh Campbell on fiddle, Angus Lyon on accordion and Chas Mackenzie on guitar – have slowly garnered much praise. They have a curious, unique blend of Scottish tunes, jazz, reggae, soul, bluegrass, folk and syncopated funk along with a strong self¬proclaimed love of the nuevo tango of Astor Piazzolla. Based on True Events, wherein they are joined by James Lindsay on bass and Iain Sandilands on drums and percussion, is the result of a long gestating collaboration.

‘Washington Square Park’ is a sparky introduction, whilst ‘Triger Part 1’ a tender and evocative slow air, shows the quartet at their reflective best. Occasionally it doesn’t quite gel, as in the insertion of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ on ‘The Good Ship Halton’ and sometimes it feels as though the boys are trying just a little too hard. But when it works it works well; ‘The Balkeerie Lights’ is a toe-tapping Scots melody flourished with some feisty jazz¬funk whilst ‘Then and Now’ kicks off with a haunting lament before concluding with a groovy jazz finale. Based on True Events is a truly eclectic and polished affair; an exciting, vibrant and enthusiastic debut.