Southern Tenant Folk Union

Pencaitland Johnny Rock Records ***

Pencaitland Johnny Rock Records***

There is something very honest, thoughtful and admirable about the eclectic music of the Scottish-based roots combo – being a democratic bunch, all seven members get a chance to shine. But there is something slightly unfocused about them. This collection of 15 tracks of Americana with a Celtic twist exemplifies the positives and negatives. Pat McGarvey, songwriter, singer and banjo player, contributes impressive songs, including the folk-pop If You've Got the Heartand the more intense title track – a story of failed idealism – and the angry history of The Rights and Interests of the Working Man. Yet the production is too understated; the songs deserve better. This is true of the album generally, although Chris Purcell's reflective It Takes Timeis well measured, as is The Holy Machine. See southerntenantfolkunion.com

Download tracks: If You've Got the Heart, The Rights and Interests of the Working Man