Doghouse Roses "Folk & Blues Part 1" (Yellowroom 2007)

New Scottish folk duo offer a solid mix of originals and new interpretations

Doghouse Roses second EP covers several bases, containing as it does two originals, two traditional Scottish songs and two American country classics. It opens with guitarist Paul Tasker’s “Sycamore Kiss” which is somewhat reminiscent of acknowledged influence Gillian Welch, though Iona Macdonald’s vocals recall Margo Timmins at her feistiest, as indeed they do on closing track “Sixteen Tons.”

The two traditional tracks are both Robert Burns songs. The first, the much sung “Ae Fond Kiss” is a very stripped back version focusing heavily on Macdonald’s vocals, while the second, the powerfully anti-war “Ye Jacobites”, is harder-edged and has the feel of a rebel yell sung round a campfire. Both compare well with Eddi Reader’s recent-ish acclaimed interpretations, though Reader’s slow burning anger on “Jacobites” is more effective. Macdonald’s aching “Fairground” and a stomp through “Nine Hundred Miles” complete the EP.

Overall, this feels a bit like “early work”, but it’s very solid and Doghouse Roses are at least the equal of the more publicised Megson. Worth seeking out for folk fans.

Date review added:  Friday, January 04, 2008
Reviewer:  Jeremy Searle
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Related web link:  Doghouse Roses MySpace site