Mutation

Newcastle-based Monster Ceilidh Band are much in the mould of Shooglenifty or Peatbog Faeries, with a rich fusion of ceilidh and electronic dance music. The mix of fiddle, accordion, mandolin and dub-heavy electric bass with a feisty drumbeat may not be to everyone's tastes but Mutation is a funky, toe-tapping and spirited little album.

There are a few lively highlights. ‘Mutated Beeswing’ is probably the most traditional track – a sweeping, stylish fiddle duet that culminates in a drum'n'bass finale. ‘Never Will’ sees the band in rock mode, concluding with some natty disco funk. ‘Lusty’ on the other hand is a rather tasty duet of accordion and fiddle. Always, the tune is key; the addition of electronica brings a vibrant edge to Mutation but is never used as a novelty. However, it does sometimes occasion a loss of spontaneity so traditional in a ceilidh.

There is no denying the talent on display here – Shona Mooney and Grace Smith's majestic fiddles, Amy Thatcher's melodic accordion, David de la Haye's funky bass, Kieran Szifris’ sweet mandolin and Joseph Truswell's pounding drums, but it lacks the sweaty vigour of their precursors. A fun, but perhaps not hugely memorable, album.