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Album Reviews
The Outside Track - a consummate blend of skill, talent, flair and intensity. (February 10, 2010)
‘Blend’ is a much-over-employed word to describe music -
often used to explain disparate elements brought together - just. Then occasionally you find a combination of
artists, styles, temperaments and music that fit the word perfectly. That is
what you find on ‘Curious Things Given Wings’ the new album from The Outside
Track - simply a
 consummate blend of skill, talent, flair and intensity.
The Outside Track entwines musical
heritage and influences from Canada, Scotland and Ireland and Cape Breton to concoct
a heady brew. Infusing new with old adds to the melange to create a force that
folk music needs to inspire and energise even the most jaded ear. They musicians
are each virtuosos of their chosen instruments and it shows through every note
and word on this album. For those that don’t know, the Outside Track are Fiona
Black (accordion) Alan Jordan (guitar) Cillian O'Dalaigh (guitar, vocals, bodhran) Mairi Rankin
(fiddle, stepdance, vocals) Norah Rendell (lead vocal, flute, whistle) and
Ailie Robertson (harp).
There’s so much to enjoy on ‘Curious Things
Given Wings’ that picking favourites implies there are some that are less than
that – not so. This is simply one man’s view on the ‘best of the best’. This is
a band that sources enduring elements from the folk tradition and melds their
own inspired compositions with its legacy to create an album that is instantly ‘at
home’ with ancient or modern. And damn fine music it is too. There are stirring
instrumentals that shape traditional tunes with a fusion of accomplished
writing from Ailie, Alan and Cillian to create gems such as ‘Swerving for
Bunnies’, ‘The Jubilant Goat’, ‘Malcolm’s New Fiddle’ and ‘Panic!’ And then you have the joy of listening to
Norah’s beautiful traditional folk voice deliver songs to make you weep and
laugh - ‘The Turkish Revery’, ‘Caroline of Edinburgh Town’, ‘Blackbirds and
Thrushes’ and ‘Farewell Song’ - every syllable a pure delight. And not
forgetting the times when the band comes together in full flight through the
joy of ‘Belladrum Outhouse’ or the insistent drive of ‘Madam Madam’.
When I first heard The Outside Track I called them a fine
example of how young musicians can take ‘traditional’ folk music, ensure it
continues to evolve and yet remain true to its roots. I’m pleased to say I have
no cause to revise that view.
The CD booklet has some great photographs,
details on each track and it includes the lyrics. (Hurrah!) If you love music
and song there’s nothing that completes the package so well as finding the
lyrics. This is one of those albums that must be in your collection – miss this
and you’ll miss the perfect blend.
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