Powered from the northern outpost of Orkney, the latest release from Scottish quartet Fara reaches far and wide full of gusto, fervour and a peep into the future. A round dozen mixture of songs and tunes all framed with the panache expected from lauded folk acts puts the fuel into ENERGY ISLANDS, a release that invigorates and intrigues. The explicit title and a striking cover rinsed in modern art launch a theme built on self sufficiency and an island community successfully harnessing the rich natural source of wind, waves and even a little sun. Fara's full on bout of inspiration communicates through the music and channels effectively to the broad whims of a listener maybe not so versed in such ecological phenomena.
Interspersing rousing tunes led by fiddle and gentle piano accompaniment with exquisitely sung songs creates an enticing concoction. Folk music is at its best when it dutifully educates and entertains. Fara achieve, exceed and add another proud notch to an increasingly stacked accolade cupboard.
This third album from three Oradian fiddlers and vocalists - Jeana Leslie, Catriona Price and Kristan Harvey - plus the new addition of Highland pianist Rory Matheson - forcefully spreads its message dipping into the wells of the traditional and self- inspirational. A factual side dish is always useful when absorbing into this style of music to bring a fuller flavour to the experience.
The experience of letting the music of Fara permeate your senses injects a cathartic feel that undulates with highs of frenetic exposure. ENERGY ISLANDS engulfs the listener with strains of the four seasons and a multitude of meteorological patterns to show that Mother Nature may have some of life's answers up her sleeve. Fara may play a small part in a big picture, but that part magnifies when you submit an hour of your time to their expansive and impressive brand of Scottish folk music.
The Bandcamp page hadn't been stocked on release day, but no doubt the usual sources will enable a taster alongside the traditional outlet of the trusted website. Wherever you test the northern waters of Fara, the result will be a positive one.