Scottish and Irish influences intersect endlessly on this fifth album from Cara, a German band, with one Scottish singer among its ranks.
They boldly go where others fear to tread and their Cain's War, written after the Charlie Hebdo massacre, is a gutsy pipes-driven commentary on the perils of religious fervour and a refreshing and rare example of addressing a contemporary theme within a traditional setting.
The band's tunes carry a certain fervour of their own, and The Piper Behind The Bar is a fine snapshot of Cara reaching high with a heady mix of reels and a highland.
Their decision to cover the epic Little Musgrave is bold but not altogether wise.
Planxty’s original would be difficult to usurp and Gudrun Walther’s breathy vocals simply miss some of the key dramatic moments in the tale, and the band’s arrangements further dilute the drama within.
