You can almost imagine Duncan McFarlane and his band dressed in 18th century costume, wielding weapons as they perform on their latest album “Rogues & Villains” such is the authentic feel of the songs as they rip along! The bass and drums of Tony Rogerson and Nick Pepper, fiddle and vocals from Anne Brivonese, melodeon and vocals from Steve Fairholme and the guitars of Geoff Taylor create a heady mix with the inimitable Duncan McFarlane on lead vocals and guitar at the helm.

“Botany Bay” the opening track of the album ‘takes no prisoners’ and, like many of the other traditional songs featured here, benefits from Duncan’s skilful arrangement with tingling electric guitar hooks and driving instrumental sections adding energy and passion. That’s not to say there aren’t quieter moments on the album as Duncan’s self penned “Mary Read” and the opening of “Band of Shearer’s”, feature him on solo guitar with Steve Fairholme’s melodeon getting a solo spot in “Cuckoo’s Nest”. In the other instrumental tracks “Anna Morrison/Karine/Atholl Highlanders” the band as a whole get opportunity to show their versatility as vibrant melodies are driven with rhythm and infectious fun!

In providing lead vocals to most of the songs, with the exception of “The Lowlands of Holland” where Anne gets a turn in a striking version, Duncan demonstrates his gift of matching vocal style, and even accent, perfectly to the narration of the song. In his self penned songs, “Bed of Straw”, “Spadge”, a track lamenting the decline of the UK sparrow population, “Rawford’s Mill” and “Mary Read”, the lyrics and melodies are so convincingly authentic as for the songs to be mistaken for being traditional. Although in the trad song “A-Begging I Will Go” added lyrics that make reference to McDonalds and Big Issue give a clever contemporary touch!

The “Rogues & Villains” of the title include Luddites, a sheepstealer,a lady pirateer, a rake and convicts, with each story told convincingly with passion, ‘rocked up’ as Duncan would say! I was instantly blown away by the robust sound the band creates, and if they can produce this much energy in a recording studio then a live gig should be magic! Hope I get to catch them soon!