The Wild Colonials'
debut record,
Fruit of Life
, is an inventive pastiche of a variety of folk and pop influences. The melodies and arrangements occasionally echo
10,000 Maniacs
;
Angela McCluskey's
husky vocals recall the throaty excesses of
the Indigo Girls'
Amy Ray
. But what sets this Scottish quartet apart is the rich virtuosity of
Paul Cantelon's
gypsy fiddling. His violin lends urgency and drama to the (many) larger-than-life, minor-key epic ballads, and ethnic flair to the upbeat folky foot-tappers. Producer
Tchad Blake
demonstrates a great sensitivity to the many colors in
the Colonials'
instrumental palette (didgeridoo, piano, tin whistle, cello, and richly textured percussion). ~ Darryl Cater