Fickle Fortune

The opener, ‘The Two Sisters’, sets the scene for a rather sweet and graceful debut from the Scots-born singer, Robyn Stapleton. The album is a pleasant mix of traditional Scottish and Irish tunes, picked by Stapleton to highlight her interest in her mixed heritage. It is also clear, both from her selection and the liner notes, that she finds a modern relevance in these songs, but at times Fickle Fortune lacks raw passion and an original touch. Although it's beautifully produced, ‘McCrimmon's Lament’ is a rather too polished reading of the mournful Scots classic while ‘Jock Hawk's Adventure in Glasgow’ lacks the unruliness of other versions. More successful perhaps is the Child Ballad ‘Willie o’ Winsbury’ a subdued but effective interpretation. The final song ‘The Lads That Were Reared Amang Heather’ is more energetic, with some feisty guitar but it all feels slightly too late.

While there is no denying the talent on show here, at times Fickle Fortune feels a little tentative. Stapleton's voice has a beauty and clarity all of its own but the song selection and delivery, charmingly arranged though it is, plays it a little safe. One to watch.