It was a good day for Celtic music when Edinburgh-based band Cantrip released Silver. The band's studio debut is a toe-tapping, musical romp spanning the range of what we've come to expect of the Celtic genre, but also with a touch of world beat giving it a life beyond just another Celtic album.

With its use of traditional instruments and themes, as well as more modern and cosmopolitan touches, this album will get you going, move you and engage you. From the pipes to the fiddle and guitar, the rock flare highs and melodic undertones will sooth, inspire and move even the most basic Celtic music fan. There is definitely something here for everyone.

Originally founded in 1999, Cantrip has played festivals and the pub circuit, honing a sound all their own and paying their dues. Trust me, you won't be disappointed with the results. Heck, they've just been elevated to a permanent place in my disc rotation. (And how can you beat a review like that?)

How, too, can you beat set titles like "Whisky Garlic Fried Rice," "Felix the Wrestler," "Hardanger Fjord" and "The Joker's Polska"?

Cantrip is Dan Houghton (Highland and border pipes, flute, whistles), Ian Willis (percussion), Cammy Robson (guitars, bouzouki, banjo), Gavin Marwick and Jon Bews (fiddles).

- Rambles
written by Charlie Gebetsberger
published 21 June 2003

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