by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: The Duncan McFarlane Band
Album: "All Rogues And Villians"
Year produced: 2007

Just so you know--this is the "electric" version of The Duncan McFarlane Band. There is also an acoustic version.

This side of the band's dual nature delivers folk-rock with a bite. The rock is present and accounted for on these tracks, with strong guitar and a heavy sound that is tempered by the vocals and moments of lighter fare. This is a combination that is difficult to do well, but the band succeeds--and then some.

You can't help but get into the sound of this music. It rouses your interest and maintains it through the stellar musicianship and slightly offbeat arrangments. It's a match you wouldn't expect to work that actually blows you away with its full, rich sound.

Don't think that it is screaming rock though; the band is just as faithful to its folk roots. They have put a stamp on their own brand of music and have a distinct style that not only sets them apart but is what makes them so enjoyable. They use the energy and drive of rock and marry it with the sincerity and easy arrangements of folk for flow. This works.

The CD leaves me wanting to see the band in person--I'm sure they would be even more impressive.

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Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her website at http://www.catherineltully.com/.

Labels: cd_review_2008

Posted by Marc Gunn, Tuesday, June 17, 2008.
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