Ross Breadmore

Lau

Lightweights & Gentlemen

Reveal Records

Scottish folk madmen release their debut following rapturous live reviews.

Playing Lau’s debut album is akin to wearing a pair of roller boots to the office on the same day that the big boss man is coming to kick you arse; it’s ridiculous, completely out of character but brilliantly liberating. Being three men strong and being very much a band in the traditional sense of the word, the fact that Martin Green and Aidan O’Rourke play piano accordion and fiddle respectively makes Lau the modern oddity that they are. Not to say that traditional folk of this kind is odd, but to be released in such a manner to finding itself on this very site alongside the usual parade of guitar monsters and electronic wizards, is evidence that Lau are not happy to sit in the corner with the other ‘crafts’.

Predominately, Lightweights & Gentlemen is instrumental; The Lang Set weaves the accordion into a frenzy, opening track Hinba is a more sombre but equally dramatic affair, and bonus track Two Stewarts is blissfully sad (it makes sense when you hear it) - and despite being bereft of voice though, these tracks carry a sense of narrative and journey. Elsewhere, guitarist and vocalist Kris Drever lends voice to Butcher Boy and Unquiet Grave amongst others, his native Scottish accent shining through and lending the music further authenticity.

Whilst many will be shun Lau’s sound, as to be honest had it not landed in my lap I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to buy it, for those that do it’s a rare and honest debut. At times elating, and others reflective, the three guys have constructed a beautiful piece that deserves a chance in a music scene so full of false-promise.