'Lowlands' is Susan's first traditional album since the strong 'Bushes & Briars' disc, but on this new album she mixes her Irish roots with some adventurous and exotic influences. Hybrid discs often fall short of the mark, not having a coherent enough feel, but here the mix of Celtic and World influences gel together well - the more colourful instruments and rhythms compliment and enhance the Celtic tradition rather than taking over.
Regardless of the instrumentation, it's Susan's vocals that steal the show; they work superbly well over the understated acoustic setting, and the acapella 'Dark Horse on the Wind' is a real standout track.
There are many other highlights here, 'The Moorlough Shore' and 'The Hare's Lament' being two songs that really encapsulate the feel of the disc, the subtlety of the instrumentation and production is excellent, nothing seems out of place and everything fits together well.
'Lowlands' is a traditional folk album that feels really contemporary, without being too obvious and without sacrificing its Celtic roots.

£13.49