Like most Battlefield Band releases, the songs in "Threads" are traditional, from story-ballads ("The Indian Lass"), laments ("MacPherson's Lament"), reels ("In and Out the Harbour") and songs of Scottish life and work ("The Arran Convict," "The Weary Whaling Grounds"). Alan Reid's drum patterns and electronic sequencing blend seamlessly with the straightforward traditional instrumentation, and the combination is sweetened by strong vocal performances. Vocal duties throughout are split between the four band members, with Alistair Russell's "Tramps and Hawkers" deserving special notice. The writing is strong too, as John McCusker's plaintive air "Miss Kate Rusby" and the regional march "My Home Town/Kalabakan" will demonstrate. Though they have occupied the forefront of Scotland's folk music scene since the mid-'70s, THREADS proves that the Battlefield Band show no signs of slowing.

Alistair Russell (vocals, guitar); John McCusker (vocals, mandolin, violin, whistle); Ian MacDonald (vocals, pipes, bodhran); Alan Reid (vocals, keyboards)