This Glasgow based duo’s debut long-player is an absolute gem of a record. Recorded with producer/composer Malcolm Lindsay, who has previously written and arranged for The Delgados and The Willard Grant Conspiracy, it’s an album that relies on the simplest of formulas, a lot of heart, wonderful musicianship, but most of all beautiful songwriting. Vocalist Iona Macdonald has a voice that could melt the cruellest of hearts, and guitarist Paul Tasker plays his instrument with such grace yet with a touch of abrasiveness to strike - or pluck in his case - the perfect balance.
I’m not going to pretend I’m have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of folk music, and I’m going to resist comparing Iona’s voice to Sandy Denny as she’s probably heard that enough, what I am going to say is if you can resist her sweet clarity and engaging story telling on songs such as recent single, ‘Greener The Grass’ and album closer, ‘The Earth & The Breeze’ then your ears are clearly painted on.
Overall album has somewhat of a sombre mood but it’s the kind that makes you raise a reflective smile, sentimental without being sickly. More than just guitar and voice, strings are used sparingly throughout, brass is brought in on ‘Stalling’ to great effect, and ‘Border Hills’ rolls along with thunderous rhythm and momentum.
Doghouse Roses ultimately have the song-writing skills to match their talent as musicians. In the realms of contemporary folk you will find an array of talented soloists scattered across the UK but it’s much rarer to find one, let alone a pair, who have the heart to match the schooling. Here you have ten beautifully arranged and constructed songs that’ll still be humming in your ears long after the roses have withered. **** Alan Souter, Is This Music, Jan 2009
