It doesn’t take long to discover that, 35 years and now 10 albums in, the Shoogles are as nifty as ever. The founders of ‘acid croft’ and Celtic fusion pioneers are back with their tenth album ‘Stamina Island’ 35 years in and sounding fabulous. However, let us not mistake longevity for maturing with age, this is as joyfully energetic, boldly inventive and filled with sheer grooviness as anything that has gone before – not so much Appetite for Destruction as still Hungry for Adventure.
The 6 minutes of instrumental musical riot that is album opener ‘Up the McFud’ (possibly best not to ask) set the scene, immediately followed by the single ‘Dig Deep’, driven by Ciarán Ryan’s banjo riff and Kaela Rowan’s infectious vocal over powerful beats and adorned by Eilid Shaw’s fiddle, it’s a serious case of ‘Up The McFunk’ – as hard to ignore as a lochside swarm of midges and twice as buzzing! Look for the video of the radio edit, part Hawkwind, part tartan/Mexican nod to Kneecap, part Prodigy, all without ever leaving its traditional base – it’s well worth the search.
It’s not all blazing banjo and fiddle led sonic attack over irresistible beats, welcome as those are. ‘Old Pal Aongas’ is more of a dreamscape with a wonderfully breathy vocal, leaning more towards the likes of Shoogle compatriots The Cocteau Twins, though it isn’t long before the feet are tapping again and the urge to dance is resurrected.
The press release refers to a revitalised line up that includes original members James Mackintosh and Malcolm Crosbie, plus Euan McLaughlin and the aforementioned Ryan, Rowan and Shaw and however jaded the listener, ‘Stamina Island’ should have the same effect.
If the sounds produced are as contemporary as anything out there, so too are the themes explored within the songs. ‘Dig Deep’ may well be what may well be called a banger, but the lyrics give extra depth, exploring resilience in the face of difficulty, whereas the title of ‘Bairns O’ Gaza’ speaks for itself, albeit with a global concern at its heart. Others are more personal celebrating and remembering people of significance for a variety of reasons.
All the tracks, instrumental or lyrical are written or arranged by the band, with most containing named subsets, often intriguingly titled. Title track and album closer comprises, ‘Microcosmic God,’ ‘Stamina Island’ and ‘Comically Bumpy’ within a joyous 7 minutes. With most tracks clocking in at near or over 6 minutes, there is room for development and exploration fitting in seamlessly and keeping attention rapt!
This is not an album by a band resting on its well-deserved laurels or lying back on the heather, it is a dynamic collection of musical themes and ideas delivered by masters of their instruments and art.
I’m off to listen to it again and suggest that you do the same. Quite marvellous!
The album is released September 16th, the single ‘Dig Deep’ is out now and the band are embarking on a series of dates, including festivals – catch them if you can!
Damian Liptrot.
