Admiral Fallow have been taking their distinctive brand of Scottish music around Europe, and have now returned to their native Scotland for a nationwide tour. Since their inception in Glasgow in 2007, their fresh indie-folk sound has both invigorated the Scottish music scene, and been refreshed and influenced by it.\u00a0 \u00a0The band members are keen collaborators with other Scottish musical heavyweights; most notably their recent contribution to King Creosote\u2019s live accompaniment to the EIF\u2019s summer screening of \u201cFrom Scotland with Love\u201d. Sarah Hayes\u2019 imminent debut album \u201cWoven\u201d is a collaboration with a wealth of Scottish folk talent, bringing new melodies to well kent Scottish songs.<\/p>\n
Such exchange of ideas and talent results in a fertile environment, allowing innovation to flourish. This is not run\u2013of-the-mill folk rock, nor is it disposable pop music. With their emotive lyrics, these are songs to hang your emotional hat on. These songs will become part of the fabric of your life. These songs will resonate in twenty years\u2019 time and bring back that breakup, that first love, that first child, with as much emotional connection as the day you experienced it.<\/p>\n
Admiral Fallow\u2019s appearance at Inverness venue Hootananny is a delightfully intimate gig. As always, Admiral Fallow give us a multi-layered musical experience, ranging from finely balanced musical complexity to breathtakingly, hauntingly, simple melodies.<\/p>\n
Louis Abbot\u2019s fine tenor voice soars to the rafters, and harmonises beautifully with Sarah Hayes pure tones of flute and voice. Kevin Brolly\u2019s clarinet provides their signature sound, while Joe Rattray, Stuart Goodall, and Philip Hauge add their talents to the rich texture of the music.<\/p>\n
The show includes favourites from 2011\u2019s release \u201cBoots met my Face\u201d, the not-so-difficult second Album \u201cTree bursts in Snow\u201d, and of course their latest offering \u201cTiny Rewards\u201d released May 2015.<\/p>\n
Now with an extensive back catalogue to call on, there is something for everyone, as the show is at times poignant and moving, at times joyful and uplifting. A particular highlight was the shimmering, melodic \u201cBroughty Ferry\u201d, a bonus Track from Tiny Rewards.<\/p>\n
\u201cDead Against Smoking\u201d receives an extra cheer as Abbot ruefully admits to forgetting the words to this song at an early gig on the tour. \u201cThe sucker punch was when someone had to google it for me, because no-one could remember them,\u201d he says with characteristic dry humour.<\/p>\n
The crowd\u2019s loudest reaction is reserved for the wonderfully energetic \u201cSquealing Pigs\u201d. The delighted, dancing crowd are raucous in their appreciation. So much so that it takes some time to restore sufficient calm to continue with the entwined harmonies of all five for the divinely beautiful \u201cFour Bulbs\u201d<\/p>\n
A joyful evening for all concerned, finishing with the anthemic \u201cOld Balloons\u201d in fine style.<\/p>\n
Admiral Fallow\u2019s tour continues around Scotland, playing La Belle Angele in Edinburgh 19th<\/sup> November.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"