Experienced musicians and partners in life, Darren McMullen & Rachel Davis have recently gifted us with the release of their debut album, as a duo, titled ‘Home‘, recorded with the valuable aid of the award-winning songwriter, musician, and producer Dave Gunning. Its opener, ‘Long House‘, is a vivid instrumental country folk treat, which introduces the listeners to the album in the best possible way. Its rich arrangement and transition in pace unleash a festive feeling and put us in the best possible mood for what is to follow. The lead single, and video, is ‘River and the Road‘, a rendition of Scottish singer-songwriter Archie Fisher’s song, featuring lovely vocals and haunting melodies. Next one is ‘Highland House‘, another superb instrumental track with a distinctive melodic line and an adorable balance between nerve, pace, and progression. Another tender moment of ‘Home‘ is its title track, co-written with Terra Spencer, featuring vulnerable female vocals, delicate melodies, sweet lyrics, and an exquisite arrangement. ‘Dr. Eels‘ is another uplifting instrumental on the recording, preparing the ground for the more atmospheric ‘Made to Be Played‘, with warm vocals that tell the true story of a 1929 Gibson Tenor banjo gifted to the duo by Pam Wells and her family. Then follows a remarkable cover version of Laurence Gowan’s 1993 hit ‘Dancing on My Own Ground‘, interpreted through the duo’s own artistic filter. ‘We Remember You Well‘ is a fine country folk ballad with sweet, double vocals, written by Cape Breton Music Hall of Fame inductee Buddy MacDonald, while ‘The Conundrum Msr‘ is an epic 7+ minute instrumental folk treat that will carry you into a delightful traditional dance mood. Finally, the album closes in the most nostalgic way with ‘The Sweet Nightingale‘, a traditional folk tune with beautiful double vocals and a captivating ambiance.

Overall, the album blends traditional tunes and songs with original co-writes and signature classics. It is masterfully crafted with a perfect balance between instrumental and vocal tracks, as well as seamless transitions in pace and mood, and is a more than a promising debut for the duo.

Christos Doukakis