Full Review

The Duhks – Migrations

The Duhks are part of a small number of young North American bands who are melding traditional influences with contemporary stylings; while it’s easy to group them Nickel Creek, The Mammals and Crooked Still, this Canadian 5 piece have a distinct approach and sound.

There is a huge range of song styles amongst the 11 tracks, and this adventurous selection of songs makes this a real rollercoaster of a disc, from the opening ‘Ol Cook Pot’ through to the traditional closer ‘Turtle Dove’ the album never disappoints.

Although the band draw their influences from far and wide, they’re best described as a progressive folk/bluegrass band full of superb musicians. The quality throughout this set is high, with excellent fiddle, guitar, banjo and percussion work throughout, and being co-produced by Tim O’Brien he adds his mandolin and bouzouki to the disc.
Even with the busy accompaniment, Jessee Havey’s vocals are crystal clear, sounding equally at home on the contemporary folk of ‘Out in the Rain’ as it is on the Sea Islands’ style harmonies of ‘Moses Don’t Get Lost’.

This is an album that’s easy to enjoy; it has an easy-going atmosphere and while the musicians are all talented it’s by no means a vehicle to demonstrate virtuosity – this is all about the songs and the right sound, and with that they’ve reached a pretty good balance.