Morose

Polished musicianship and cosy camp-fire gatherings don’t necessarily go hand in hand. Yet the sophisticated arrangements on this album take us right to the forest – less a magical than a foreboding one, given that many of these songs are shot through with themes of murder and morbidity. Collectively, there is a hint of Capercaillie in these confident Celtic compositions, sung mostly in French Canadian. Smooth harmonies and exotic, oddly ancient-sounding beats not usually associated with this genre, blend with a fresh, youthful lead vocal.

Complexities are revealed throughout this range of brave contemporary takes on traditional folk songs whether from Québec, Brittany or Louisiana. Each track is a story in itself set to skilled arrangements that soar and weave with a timeless beauty while sweet melodies interplay with the unexpected rhythmic and instrumental verve of jazz. Fiddle, guitar, banjo and mandolin are well-layered throughout. Hailing from top traditional musical stock, what especially elevates this group is the musicians’ conscious modernity; the sum of its parts is very 21st century.