‘Thirsty Work’ arrives as Trail West’s fifth album, hitting shelves eleven years after debut release ‘One That Got Away’.
A fitting title for this album, as a reflection upon the band’s journey from a wee four-man ceilidh band that played in boozers such as the Park Bar, to a six-piece powerhouse that is on the tip of the tongue for every trad fanatic across the country.
A production which sounds of the highest class, this ten-track collection strikes the perfect balance of what we know as the strong and recognisable sound of the band, with a fresh modern sound landing this piece of work a high score.
Regarding the recognisable sound, that is exactly what the first song on the album delivers to the ear. Ar Canan’s ar Ceol opens as an incredibly catchy and strongly sung Gaelic tune. As a non-gaelic speaker, this track in particular of those sung in the native tongue stands out with the simple but effective chorus that any of us could manage to sing the tune of.
A majestic cover of an Irish classic, Tipping It Up To Nancy is a toe-tapping tune sprinkled with that Scottish twist thanks to some powerful singing and playing. There is a perfectly executed contradiction in this song, as the fast-paced jig-type rhythm balances out the morbid lyrics which were originally written about an old Irish woman drowning her husband.
Peggy, My Love is a personal favourite and could be considered the strongest track on Thirsty Work. The heart-touching lyrics connect to loving relationships and having to make sacrifices for a homeland far away. They pair perfectly with the accordion and whistle tune. All of this, before we are landed with another singing voice on the track. Gaelic speaker Eilidh Cormack elevates the song to a whole other level not only on her verse of the song but even more so when harmonising with multi-instrumentalist and lead vocalist Seonaidh MacIntyre.
The English translation of Cormack’s verse is an interesting read and allows us to connect with the song even further. “I’ll always climb Finnan’s Seat To look over the loch And long for the life that I refused.” Peggy, whom is the main topic of the song, reiterates what may be a relatable thought for a lot of Highlanders. Although the prospect of flashy city life may be appealing, the love of the homeland is difficult to top.
Only Gonna Break My Heart is probably the most unique track on the album. A fast-paced tune combines the ever-popular genre of Western country and traditional Scottish. In true Trail West fashion, the two culminate perfectly to deliver a toe-tapping extravaganza. On paper, the idea sounds brave, and it is, but the delivery of the Americanised vocals coupled with the brazen accordion tune mid-way through makes for a proper belter.
The penultimate track on Thirsty Work feels like a long-time-coming culmination of every development Trail West has had over the past five or so years.
Telling the tale of reflection upon a wedding, First Dance has a production value which is hair-raising, as MacIntyre’s clever and powerfully delivered lyrics merge perfectly with a piano-backed rhythm which transcends into a catchy and ever-rising bagpipe riff. A truly special track which is very much the ‘poster boy song’ for an album which has not only discovered new sounds but revisited and perfected old ones too.
With a balance of lyrics, sole music tunes, and several different styles of genre all placed within Thirsty Work, the band have given themselves the perfect album to listen to when kicking about the house, but one in which the prospect of hearing live seems magical.
The headband heroes have already had a remarkable rise to fame by producing pounding albums and explosive live performances. An already well-loved staple of the Scottish trad scene, the Glasgow-based band could be about to skyrocket their careers, and legacy even further with this magnificent release.
