Tenth birthday hooley for Rura,  a roll call of ex members and heavyweight guests along for the ride. Some ride it is too. Rura are one of those bands who play with energy fit to burst and then will turn on a sixpence and deliver an air that’s reflective and tender. They’ve released a clutch of albums in their decade of activity each of which has redefined the normal approach to Scots folk and built on what’s gone before, this is no exception, all involved attack with a verve and swing that dominates cuts like ‘Catriona’s’ which starts quite stately before picking up pace to that of a runaway express train.

The onstage sound is filled out by supporters and guests  adding whistles, moog and electric guitars, there’s even a string section put to good use!! The audience for this gig, allegedly the final fling of Celtic Connections 2020, was well into four figures and ready to party; they’re as much about this album as the music, lending hollers, hoots, cheers and celebratory noise. And all in the month before lockdown 1. Listening in lockdown 2 only heightens the need for live gigs to make a comeback, life will be sweeter again when that’s reality.

Meantime you can savour the atmosphere and musicianship as Adam Holmes adds the undertow to ‘Mary,’ and Finlay McDonald bolsters ‘Elliot’s’ and it sounds as if the clans are  rising. However if you want brazen  high spirits then ‘Day One,’ is going to be your weapon of choice where the band explode like a champagne bottle being uncorked. Don’t just sit there, when you hear this you’ll have to dance there is no more natural reaction.

All in all, more than a bit decent, dynamite in a silver disc.

Simon Jones.

rura.co.uk