Between River and Railway

Dumfries and Galloway have always been a fertile ground for powerful Scottish singers and songwriters and it is clear this trend is continuing with the release of local Dumfries girl Claire Hastings’ beautiful and beguiling debut album. A solid and rich collection of self-penned songs, some traditional tracks and a few covers make up this confident and accomplished new release.

‘The House at Rosehill’ and ‘Son of No One’ shows her talent as a songwriter; the former being a tender and pleasing piece of nostalgia about her hometown, while the latter weaves a dark and brooding tale of child abandonment. ‘The Bothy Lads’ demonstrates her confidence in tackling some familiar traditional songs while ‘The Posie’ combines the words of Robert Burns to a melody by Hastings to charming effect. Closer ‘Come Spend a While Wi’ Me’ is a sweetly inspiring song by much-missed songwriter Lionel McClelland. Heartbreakingly delivered, it is one of the highlights on an exquisite album.

Hastings’ rich, powerful voice is expertly suited to traditional Scottish song and is perfectly accompanied by her masterful ukulele playing. Between River and Railway is a fresh, invigorating and absorbing debut.