Dark Harvest
Need To Know, 2024
8/10
The Scottish artist Malcolm MacWatt returns with another batch of thoughtful songs, where Americana and British folklore are fleshed out alongside Celtic influences.
“Strong Is The North Wind” opens the listen with MacWatt’s expressive voice alongside spirited harmonica and lively percussion, and “The Church & The Crown” follows with vivid storytelling via the warm guitar and flowing vocals.
Deeper into the listen, “Out On The Western Plain” recruits Pat McManus on electric guitar for the rich and intimate songwriting, and “Buffalo Thunder” places Dave Martin on bodhran that helps make for a cultured and harmonic album highlight.
“Drowsy Maggie” and “Semi Scotsman” exit thte listen, where the former allows Gillian MacWatt’s swift fiddle to guide the Celtic spirit, and the latter benefits from Phil Dearing meticulous piano and electric guitar that emits a pensive finish.
MacWatt plays the bulk of the instruments here, and even incorporates improvisation to the modern folk experience that embraces serene melodies and a sublimely somber mood that’s never short on beauty.
Travels well with: Ben Gage- Two Singing Songs; Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus- Big Red Gibson