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Sunday Herald, 8th April 2007

JULIE FOWLIS - CUILIDH
(SPIT AND POLISH/SHOESHINE)
***** (5 Stars)

Transcending the language barrier with Gael force

DESPITE its many sublime moments, there's nothing remotely soft-focus about Julie Fowlis's new album, neither in its packaging not its execution. The salutary absence of misty imagery and synth-washed arrangements is just one of the strategies by which she has become the first Scottish Gaelic singer in years to catch the attention of the London music media, as well as winning her the 2005 Radio 2 Folk award as best newcomer.

Having released her solo debut, Mar A Tha Mo Chirdhe (As My Heart Is), on specialist Gaelic label Macmeanmna, Fowlis signed with Francis Macdonald's indie/roots imprint Shoeshine for the follow-up, another move that looks to be working in her favour. Cuilidh, which translates as "treasury" or "sanctuary", has already earned an unprecedented sweep - for any Scottish folk artist, never mind a Gaelic one - of four- and five-star reviews in a host of English newspapers.

In musical terms, it's immaculately clear throughout the 12 tracks here that none of the fuss has gone to Fowlis's head. Resisting all advice to include even one or two numbers in English, she has drawn more deeply on her roots, sourcing most of the material from her native Uist, including a lovesong composed by a forebearer.

Fowlis's career ascent is reflected in her choice of accompanists. They include ex-Solas stalwart John Doyle and Altan's Mark Kelly on guitars, fiddler John McCusker, Nickel Creek's Chris Thile on mandolin, Iain MacDonald on flute and Mike McGoldrick on uilleann pipes and whistles. Fowlis's fiancé, Éamon Doorley of Irish band Danú, also guests on bouzouki. There are notable contributions too from Capercaillie's Ewen Vernal (bass) and Donald Shaw (piano/accordion), plus silkily delicate backing vocals from rising Gaelic stars Norrie MacIver and Kathleen MacInnes.

The puirt-a-beul medley, Hùg Air A' Bhonaid Mhòir, is a canny choice of opener, its pulsing grooves and quicksilver singing an instant antidote to ethereal Celtic stereotypes. The album's sole a capella track. The darkly coded lullaby Aoidh, Na Dèan Cadal Idir, makes for a shrewd finish, with the unadorned magic of Fowlis's exquisite delivery, heightened by the song's simplicity.

In between, moods and tempos are deftly mixed, as Fowlis transcends the language barrier through expressive eloquence. Turas San Lochmor, describing a white-knuckle boat journey from North to South Uist, evokes the relish of a good tale retold, while 'Ille Dhuinn, 'S Toigh Leam Thu conjures the sweetness and pain of love in adversity.

Fowlis's superb vocal technique and empathy for her material is most memorable combined in Oran Nan Raiders, which commemorates the fight by returned Highland soldiers for promised land rights. Having learned the song from one campaigner's son in the croft he eventually secured. Fowlis sings it with hypnotic authority, vividly conveying both anger and defiance.

RECOMMENDED DOWNLOAD: Hùg Air A' Bhonaid Mhòir