Somewhere

Comprising Rachel Walker on fiddle and whistle, Phil Alexander on accordion and piano and Daniel Abrahams on guitar and double bass, Dowally bring together a curious yet beguiling mix of jazz, folk and roots moods and sounds to form an utterly enchanting release.

Somewhere is the Edinburgh-based folk trio's second album and, as inspiration, they've taken the name of a small highland hamlet – known thus as it is located ‘somewhere’ on the A9. Focusing on original compositions, but with some interesting covers, the band are confident and accomplished enough to experiment. You have to admire a folk trio who take on board The Beatles' ‘And I Love Her’ alongside the Arctic Monkeys' ‘Fluorescent Banshee’ – and great fun both covers are. However, it's their original compositions that are the highlights.

‘Sunday Brunch’ is a nice mix of folk and jazz vibes, while ‘Up the River’ has some beautiful whistle playing from Walker. ‘Castellation’ is a feisty and aggressive piece of angst that gets the pulse racing while ‘Chris and Emily's’ has some exciting bluegrass-jazz moments (if there is such a thing). ‘Port Inn Hornpipe’ closes the album with a fun singalong. A playful, imaginative and exciting release.