Shadows on the Moon

O sister, where art thou? Not necessarily anywhere near the Appalachians, it seems. Midnight Skyracer's 2018 debut Fire proved that this Anglo-Irish all-female bluegrass quintet, featuring actual twin sisters Charlotte and Laura Carrivick, mandolin player Leanne Thorose, banjoist Tabitha Agnew, and double bassist Eleanor Wilkie were so capable of holding their own with their cousins across the Atlantic that they enjoy the distinction of being the first British act nominated for an award by the International Bluegrass Music Association. They pulled off another coup by becoming the first British bluegrass band to sign to a major label, Island Records, who are savvy enough to recognise the growing popularity of bluegrass here.

Shadows on the Moon was recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios in Wiltshire and it's as crisp, clear and uplifting as anyone might hope from their lauded live shows. Along with the glistening vocal harmonies and impeccable musicianship on show, there's a sassy sense of fun and an ear for a pure pop hook amid the hard-driven bluegrass and mountain balladry that can't help reminding you of Alison Krauss & Union Station. Midnight Skyracer are very much their own women, though, and the sky might indeed be the limit for them.