Veterans of the folk music scene, North Sea Gas, return to the fringe after four previous sell-out runs. Their set heavily features their new album material, but still delivers the upbeat music that has made them one of Scotland's most popular folk groups.
The Scottish three piece utilised many instruments to bring their own brand of folk to their audience: guitar, banjo, fiddle and bouzouki just to name a few. All were played with skill dexterity and gave a wide variety of sound. Their real vocal strength came from their three part harmonies. The song ‘Twa Recruiting Sergeants’ saw the harmonies fuse beautifully and had a nice rhythm to it. However, the group’s solos were not to the same standard and exposed the vocal weaknesses of the group. Whilst they are by no means bad soloists, it is not a strength of their music.
For me, where the band came to life was when they were playing their more up-tempo, marching style songs. These were often driven by the Bodhran, such as the old Jacobite song 'The White Cokcade'. These numbers were full of energy, with the three voices and musical instruments playing. All these aspects overlapping together created a glorious cacophony of Highland sounds. There was also a nice a capella number entitled 'I’m Having a Bit Tonight' which detailed the groups love of dessert. This was a funny little ditty that changed the pace and once again showed the group’s nice harmonies, even without instrumental backing.
There was nothing wrong with this set, but there was also nothing revelatory about it. If you are a fan of folk generally, then North Sea Gas’ capable and safe show is certainly enjoyable. However, if you are not, this isn’t going to change your mind.
