Plight o’ Sheep

It's a powerful, muscular sound that characterises the new release from the intrepid Scots trio. Hard to believe it has been ten years since their last release, 2013's Bones of Contention. But fiddler Alastair Caplin, singer and guitarist John Langan, and bassist Dave Tunstall are well known for their avant-garde approach to folk and tradition, and Plight o’ Sheep delivers this in confident abundance.

Single release and opener, ‘One Whole Year’, sets the scene well, with a stomping romp which plays with some Old Time musical vibes. ‘Leg of Lamb’ is a particular highlight; a raucous, journey with a fiery fiddle and bass, and even a dub-style mid-section, it takes no prisoners.

‘The Bastard Hills of Totterdown’ explores a refrain for anyone familiar with the steep braes of the Bristol suburb. Featuring a spoken-word mid-section, and a rising, pacey finale, it leaves the listener almost sweating in sympathy. The boys show their softer side too though, with the rather touching ‘Sweetness’.

Plight o’ Sheep is a cracking album, with some excellent hooks, fine bluegrass melodies, and the welcome Scots vocals of John Langan himself; overall, a fun, thoroughly infectious listening experience.