The John Langan Band
Album: Bones Of Contention
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.thejohnlanganband.com

"Bones Of Contention" is the latest from Scottish troubadour trio, The John Langan Band, and it's probably the one that has most captured the band's extraordinary live vibe. The John Langan Band have always struck me as a band where no two gigs, heck no performance of the same song is the same and until now, I don't think they've quite managed to get that nailed in their recordings. In fairness to the band it's not an easy task at the best of times and they've always done a good job at it.

For three musicians, Langan(guitar/percussion), Dave Tunstall(standup bass), and Alastair Caplin(fiddle) they manage to cram in an awful lot of influences and not a little bit of aggression. Gypsy jazz battles with Scottish, Irish and punk influences. You feel the band could fit in anywhere across Europe from the Balkans to Porto to the Borders and make a living not only playing conventional venues, but playing almost anywhere.

Similarly there isn't a song on the album that you don't feel could work as either a full blown instrumental or as barrelhouse accapella. Scorching fiddle solos almost used as a voice, cajon beats used to exorcise demons as much as provide a rhythm.

Demented is a word that it's easy to throw at this album, visionary another. It's an album that manages to slip from your grasp just as you think you've got a hold of the thing. "Bones Of Contention" is just that and there is a lot to pick over time and time again.

Neil King