Golden Hour Of Strict Tempo Dancing

Finniston

This second recording from Finniston marks their first foray as a full band, recorded in the grip of the icy winter in Aberdeen. Adding the talents of drummer Keith Macmillan and bassist Stuart Cordiner has built on the directions hinted at in their first ep Popular Music That Will Live Forever.

Steven Finnie and Jolene Crawford demonstrated their talent for delivering contrasting compositions that ranged from the upbeat to the introspective on that first recording. Swooping from one emotion to the other jarred slightly, fleshing their sound out has eased that transition. The addition is not just drums and bass, more accordian from Jolene and greater work at the production stage has borne fruit.

I guess there is a danger that a 'foray as a full band' can set the alarm bells ringing, will it overbalance their distinctive sound, will they throw everything and the kitchen sink at each arrangement? No, it's as if they have always been this way, they balance delicate vocal harmonies with the richness of the new soundscape that they revel in.

Their greatest asset remains Finnies' songwriting talent and his great voice, Bellona Shuffle gives it a great workout with Jolene vocally pirouetting around him. The addition of electric guitar works incredibly well.

Listening to the richness and maturity of this material I am baffled why they haven't been snapped up by a major label...