Album Review: The Guillemots - Walk The River

The Guillemots - Walk The River

After a three year break (and one solo album) Fyfe Dangerfield and his band return with their third album Walk The River. It's a large scale and soaring record rather than their quirky but likeable debut Through The Windowpane and has been dexcribed by Dangerfield himself as 'music to be heard across the night sky'.

The Guillemots' debut album is one of those records which I enjoy when I hear it, although is never a record I am ever particularly desperate to listen to. Walk The River has less instantly catchy songs - there's no Trains To Brazil or Made Up Love Song #43 here, but what you do get is a series of rich songs with booming choruses. On first listen I have to say I was pretty underwhelmed with the whole record, although two further listens in and it is really starting to grow on me.

Slow Train and Dancing In The Devil's Shoes are terrific pieces of music, and the band actually sound better when they're in slower and more reflective mood. The songwriting is excellent and I am a big fan of Dangerfield's voice which fits perfectly.

Theres not a chart single hiding here, but as well crafted, quality pop albums go, this is right up there. Although, bear in mind that it's likely to take a few listens before you come to that conclusion.