Reviewed by Paul S Ganney

This 2009 Christmas release from the Scottish singer/songwriter is very reminiscent of Fruup and the Divine Comedy in its structure, having orchestral overtones to the way it's put together. There's even a very interesting version of "Joy To The World", with unusual harmonies and a harmonium for good measure. The Christmas theme that pervades the CD is more in the story-telling than the party-around-the-tree isn't-snow-wonderful material which features on so many yuletide releases. The calm of "Mary, I Was Wrong" has a beauty all of its own - it is a quiet reflection on the moment when God became Man and the world changed forever. The layering here reminded me of Sigur Ros (as did "Futaristic Chrismalistic"), with some Damien Rice thrown in for good measure. It's a very accomplished CD, with folkie overtones (especially in the vocal harmonies) and I enjoyed it all, save perhaps "The Boar's Head Carol".

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