Album Review

Washington Irving – Holy Company

• 1st Feb 2013

Holy Company is the new single from Scottish folk rockers Washington Irving. Taking clear influences from the folk music of northern Scotland they create a massive sound that will have as much appeal to rock fans as it does to folkies. They are a powerful band with big guitars and solid drums combining to back the strong vocals of Joe Black.

Holy Company was produced and mixed by Marcus Mackay (Frightened Rabbit, Sparrow and the Workshop), and mastered by Grammy-nominated Mandy Parnell. The track has the poetic lyrics and rich musical background that is typical of the band’s sound. It’s big and anthemic, with a rhythm that drives it forward. There’s something of a spaghetti western feel to the melody from the lead guitar and the chorus features some great vocal harmonies. It’s a folk track with a rock feel and the combination works very well.

The b-side (if such a term is still relevant in digital days) is the instrumental Bealach-An-Righ. It means The King’s Highway, an avenue near Oban where, it is said, Scottish kings of old were paraded on their way to their tombs. This is a lovely fast paced piece of music, again having a traditional inspiration but a powerful rock beat.

Washington Irvine are working towards a debut album at present, I hear. That’s one I am really looking forward to hearing.

Venue: Holy Company
Support Band: Led Astray Music