Sule Skerry

The thought of a duo comprising nothing more than fiddle and mandolin made me doubtful. Surely these instruments have a similar range and, without some bassier accompaniment, could become a bit monotonous. But I needn’t have worried.

Hildaland are Scottish fiddler Louise Bichan and American mandolinist Ethan Setiawan. The two met at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and have played together for several years as part of the band Corner House.

This is Hildaland’s debut album. Influences range from old-time to Swedish-inspired music but Sule Skerry emphasises Bichan’s Scottish roots. It’s an enjoyable, varied collection of traditional and original instrumentals plus a few tracks featuring singing, notably an impressive version of Gillian Welch’s ‘Everything is Free’.

Setiawan adds variety by playing, among other instruments, octave mandolin, mandola and tenor guitar, and guest musicians add touches of piano, vocals, keyboards and bass.

Hildaland should appeal to fans of Nickel Creek and Sarah-Jane Summers & Juhani Silvola, while Setiawan’s old-time delivery of ‘Fall on My Knees’ has a charm similar to Joachim Cooder’s renditions of Uncle Dave Macon’s songs. Sule Skerry demonstrates fine musicianship and a tangible sense of enjoyment.