Skerryvore
Album: World Of Chances
Label: Tyree
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.skerryvore.com

I was really looking forward to this, Skerryvore's fourth album. Unfortunately their major selling-point of upfront Highland bagpipes that played such a major part of the overall sound on their previous recording has been usurped by the more rustic charms of Daniel Gillespie's accordion and Craig Espie's fiddle. OK, so the fiddle and accordion were always part of the make-up but I'm not sure about them playing such a pivotal role.

Cast your mind back to a time when The Bluebells and Proclaimers were king of the swingers, Skerryvore would have fit as snugly as a rawlplug round a screw right alongside them. With Barry Caulfield (bass), Fraser West (drums) and Alec Dalglish on vocals, guitars and mandolin and guest producer Alan Scobie on keyboards and percussion in general the sound is pleasant but for me at least rarely reaches the peaks of the band's previous outing.

If, however you're looking for a 'festival' band then songs such as the opening track "Put Your Hands Up", the Big Country sounding "Magic Numbers" or the goodtime Zydeco styled "The Last Time" could have you swaying hypnotically along with your mates in a sweaty marquee. I'm sorry I couldn't have given this recording a more positive review but then again, perhaps next time?

Pete Fyfe