One for Sorrow - is a selection of yearning, searching songs from Durham-based duo Brother Crow. There’s depth here that makes an exceptional debut album. Brother Crow is Andrew Davison (vocals, guitar and bouzouki) and Graeme Carroll (mandolin, tenor banjo).

Andrew delivers his powerful lyrics in a compelling, grief-stricken edgy voice that takes some getting used to – but once you do it’s a voice that you want to hear more and more. Speaking as an avid fan of the story-telling folk song, his ability to create narrative lyric-pictures is outstanding. These are lyrics worth taking time to know. Graeme’s musicianship takes the mandolin to heights many will not expect. His style intertwines traditional with contemporary, which can make his playing hard to date, and all the better for that.

With so much to offer, One for Sorrow reaches out to touch your soul and that makes it hard to choose favourites. The world has many songs about death and revenge – few have the darkness and power of Tom Lowrie. And then there’s How Do You Do Tom Barton? - a perfect showcase for their flair - Graeme weaves a precise musical net to catch the lyrics, while Andrew’s voice drives the story home inch by painful inch. The Ballad of John Ducket is one of those mournful, poignant songs that prompt tears to your eyes before the end. Wonderland, is a deeply conveyed pain of lost love, and my favourite, Let the Dance Go On is just perfect - full of understanding and concentrated emotion. It’s a perfect tribute to one man’s past and future, a glorious song - no argument.

Brother Crow offer their audience profound, penetrating, intense songs delivered with feeling and passion – and that’s a talent many will envy.

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