Album Review: Mark The Hard Earth by Kris Drever

He may be best-known as the guitarist with that bravely experimental trio Lau (who won best group for the third year running at last month's Folk awards), but Kris Drever has all the makings of a solo celebrity. Born in Orkney, he moved south to join the freewheeling Edinburgh folk scene, in which musicians are constantly swapping styles and playing in different bands – so it's no surprise that this latest solo album should feature an impressive and varied cast. The Scottish contingent includes that exquisite fiddle player and producer John McCusker, along with members of Capercaille.

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It’s been four years since Kris Drever has dedicated himself to a solo record, but he’s hardly been idle. In that time, rock fans might recognise him as ‘one of those guys who plays with Roddy Woomble’s folk trio’ (along with John McCusker), whereas the folk crowd might be more familiar with his efforts with Lau (along with Martin Green and Aidan O’Rourke). For Mark The Hard Earth, Drever has assembled enough guest stars to rival your average hip-hop album.

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The second solo offering from one third of cult folk [i]tour de force[/i] [b]LAU[/b] opens with the self-penned title track. A eulogy to the weather, its simple restrained melody and uncomplicated arrangements set the pace for the rest of the album. As with debut album [b]‘Black Water’[/b], Drever never strays far from the traditional folk template.

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Quite understated and beautifully played, Drever’s singing peerless throughout. Jon Lusk 2010 Fresh from winning a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Group with his ‘day job’ band Lau, this Scottish singer, guitarist and occasional songwriter releases his second solo set. After a debut as great as 2006’s Black Water almost anything would disappoint.

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