Simple Tricks

"The duo of Angus Lyon and Ruaridh Campbell might be young, but don't equate age with a lack of ability. Lyon is a wizard on various accordions (just listen to his playing on "Barachois," where he flows wonderfully both in front and behind the melody), while Campbell is a gorgeously expressive fiddler. The bulk of the material springs from their own pens, heavily steeped in the Scots tradition, but still very individual, especially on the slower airs like "Joining of the Spirits," where Campbell's tone shines with Lyon supporting on piano. And they're not afraid to take some chances -- "Mirrlees Lane" seems to waft in on waves of sound like a seashore. Subtly done, but imaginative and quite hypnotic. They're fabulous on the few traditional cuts -- Campbell mimics a hen's strut masterfully on "The Hen's March O'er the Midden," and their own set of jigs is delightful, taken at an ideal tempo. Still, it's impossible not to feel that their hearts lie most firmly in the slow airs, and closing with the gorgeous "Seaforth" is a good move, highlighting their strengths of melody and control. But then again, they're solid in everything. And they certainly deserve to become better-known."....All Music Guide

Personnel includes: Angus Lyon (accordian, piano); Ruaridh Campbell (violin, viola); Steve Lawrence (guitar, bouzouki, percussion); Alan Train (guitar); Faser Spiers (harmonica); Duncan Lyall (double bass); Mark Ockendo (drums).