Review | Songlines

Rant

Rating: ★★★★

View album and artist details

Album and Artist Details

Artist/band:

Rant

Label:

Make Believe Records

Nov/Dec/2013

Rant take their name from an old Scots word for a merry and energetic dance or tune (rather than from any predisposition to spout invective). The quartet of fiddlers consists of sisters Bethany and Jenna Reid from Shetland and Sarah-Jane Summers and Lauren MacColl from the Highlands. As you might expect from such an experienced and creative line-up, their album is an anthology of tunes that they clearly delight in sharing with each other and with us.

The intimate space of the 700-year-old East Church in Cromarty was the setting for the recording in 2012, providing the perfect atmosphere for the textures and colours of tunes, which include their own compositions – such as MacColl’s stately homage to the East Church and Reid’s tribute to Arctic explorer Jan Baalsrud. There are tunes from the Cape Breton tradition, a typically lyrical melody written by accordionist Karen Tweed, and an irresistible journey through reels, strathspeys and jigs, digging into the archives to give us a flavour of the rich heritage the group is clearly passionate about. Rant’s playing throughout is immaculate, spirited and warm. Definitely one to look out for.

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