SINGER Alasdair Roberts is one of the rising stars of Scottish folk music and these 12 self-penned songs confirm this status. He has mined a distinctive brand of Caledonian folk art, incorporating savage balladry and soft, sweet, lyrical songs. The compositions owe nothing to synth-washed pseudo-Celticism and everything to the heroes of the British folk revival - Ann Briggs and Nic Jones - as well as the likes of Leonard Cohen. The acoustic instrumentation - guitar, drums, piano plus occasional violin and harmonium - is beautifully executed and complements the febrile lilt of the vocals.

Updated: 10:48 Thursday, June 12, 2003