Malinky, Far Batter Days (Malinky)

Almost seven years have passed between Malinky's previous album and this, their fifth, and although part of the delay was due to illness and taking a break to concentrate on individual projects, the quartet have used their time well, re-emerging as a more mature-sounding but still largely understated force in preserving and celebrating traditional song. Having three singers, each with distinctive voices, gives these big ballads and lighter items an admirable variety of tone and attack: Fiona Hunter's great feeling for the traveller song repertoire shining clearly as it did in her superb contribution to Grit at Celtic Connections in January; Steve Byrne capturing his native Angus tales with a soft understanding burr; and Mark Dunlop projecting an endearing blend of innocence and vulnerability. The arrangements, using instruments including Hunter's cello, Byrne's frets, Dunlop's flute, fourth member Mike Vass's fiddle and the harmonium that producer Donald Shaw inherited from Ivor Cutler, are uniformly well-chosen, brisk or atmospheric where required. In sum a really satisfying return.

Rob Adams