Milestone

Perhaps better known as bassist with Kate Rusby and Treacherous Orchestra, the impressive Milestone marks Lyall’s second release as a solo artist. Originally commissioned for Celtic Connections 2019, Milestone explores themes relating to Lyall’s own musical and personal life. Influences are varied to say the least, with echoes of Björk, Foo Fighters, The Beatles, Daft Punk and others filtering through. Martyn Bennett is a clear inspiration and the energy and experimentation of Bennett’s work is palpable. It’s telling that Lyall’s playful hashtag for his record is #CINEMATICFOLK ELECTRONICAROCKFUNK.

Traditional and contemporary sounds are peppered throughout, with pipes and fiddle matched effortlessly with Moog synth and electric guitar. Mostly self-penned, except ‘Twa Corbies’, which fuses the traditional ghoulish ballad with some rather funky synth and percussion. ‘Wind in the Trees’ is an evocative reflection on Lyall’s time in Glasgow. The tune is revisited in ‘Z’, in a version that sounds almost like Treacherous Orchestra. ‘Barnacarry Bay’ plays with the fire of Croft No 5, while ‘Roli’ softens things with a more traditional arrangement. Lyall’s talent as a composer and arranger is inspiring; acoustic and electronic sounds make fine bedfellows here. Milestone is a release well worth exploring, an invigorating listen.