UNUSUAL SUSPECTS – Big Like This (Big Bash Records BBRCD017)

Well, if the opening track “Pressed For Time/Hull’s Reel/St Kilda Wedding” doesn’t put a grin on your face the size of the Cheddar Gorge then you must be watching too much X-Factor or I’m A Celebrity and if you are, shame on you…only joking those of you that are! Unlike either of those particular shows this powerful sixteen-piece band (seventeen if you count ex-Iron Horse guest vocalist Annie Grace) has more personality and a real ‘folk’ factor that will have you hitting the replay button on your CD player on numerous occasions such is the majestic sound of the Highland pipes in full flow swelled by a horn section to die for. I’m afraid I can’t list all of the musicians individually (as much as I’d like to) but with stand-out performances by the sadly missed Bachue (Corrina Hewat & Dave Milligan) and flugelhorn of Ryan Quigley I couldn’t recommend an album more highly. OK, so we know the band can kick butt when required but to counter the party groove the inclusion of more chilled out material including “Time Wears Awa’” sung with aplomb in laid back Jazz style by Hewat provides the listener with a sultry performance that would make Liane Carroll proud. I can’t say it more clearly. If you like your music with bite and charm in equal measures then I suggest you order this recording at the earliest opportunity and as Colin Crompton of the Wheeltappers And Shunters may have said “I’ll give it ten!”.

PETE FYFE

Artist website: http://www.unusualsuspects.uk.com/


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