Speak of the Devil

"Guitarist Jack Badcock, banjo maestro Ciaran Ryan, Andrew Waites on accordion and BBC Radio Scotland Young Musician of the Year Benedict Morris on fiddle are an alarmingly talented outfit and unfeasibly duct tape tight. Any sort of liaison or pact with darker powers may indeed have fuelled their skills on an album that's also their first containing all original music ... From jazz influences, French musettes, Scottish and Irish traditions to Balkan and bluegrass, the whirlwind that kicks off a minute or so into Beaton's, rarely dies down, although a few pauses for breath are most welcomed".

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"Emerging from the vibrant Edinburgh session scene almost ten years ago, Dallahan have confidently fostered a reputation as masters of Celtic folk and Speak of the Devil, their fourth studio album, is a sizzling delight from start to finish. Following their last album (2019's Smallworld), they return with an accomplished album of original music and a lovely mix of instrumental tracks and songs ... While their sound may be rooted in their Scottish heritage, they boldly layer this with touches of Irish trad music, bluegrass, Balkan influences, and even some spicy Gypsy melodies. All-in-all, delivering an assured and alluring grasp of the word folk".

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