Album Review: Alasdair Roberts and Friends – ‘A Wonder Working Stone’

Alasdair Roberts and Friends -- A Wonder Working Stone (Drag City)

Whilst most of Roberts’ compositions on this his eighth album are entirely original, others incorporate a host of traditional Celtic tunes that are re-worked and seamlessly woven into this magical Scottish folk. With a collection of friends on strings, brass, flute, and accordion, these complex pieces are pastoral and uplifting, with cosmological and historical themes. Rooted in the Scottish poetic tradition, lyrics are also highly personal and wise such as on ‘Fusion of Horizons’ that describes love as a wonder working stone. “It’s a test, a mental harness. It’s a lesson sent to learn us well”. An exciting and inspirational young folk talent.

Rating: 4.5 / 5