Cross the Line

Hailing from Orkney, and mentored by Douglas Montgomery (The Chair, Saltfishforty), the all-female group Fara is comprised of Jennifer Austin (piano, vocals), Kristan Harvey (fiddle, viola), Jeana Leslie (fiddle, vocals) and Catriona Price (fiddle, viola). Cross the Line is their exciting debut, a delightful and accomplished mix of styles and influences.

It's an accomplished debut, produced by Mike Vass, featuring a fine blend of traditional tunes with some interesting new renditions. ‘Shapinsay’ incudes a fiery polka and hornpipe inspired by the islands around Orkney, while Leslie proves herself a beguiling vocalist on the mesmerising ‘Three Fishers’. ‘Whisky You’re the Devil’ is a fun and playful cover of a trad tune with contributions from English singer Bella Hardy. There is a rich collection of tunes here, including the obligatory Robert Burns song – a touching ‘My Heart's in the Highlands’ – alongside some Appalachian harmonies on ‘I’ve Endured’. There is even a surprising but very sweet rendition of Joe South's ‘Games People Play’.

Fara are certainly a quartet to watch. Cross the Line is an ambitious, accomplished and beautiful debut that showcases the four musicians’ superb and sensitive musicianship and charming vocal harmonies. A delight.