Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Whichever way you choose to imagine your footsteps cavorting to the sound of music, whether it be in the realm of the Foxtrot, skipping the light fandango, the seeming purity of the ballet in Doc Martin boots or just even tapping along with your toes ever gesturing in the search for a partner to share the light with, mindful of the wallflower you have become, you can always be sure that your eyes will come across the pleasure of the well timed shuffle as you realise that This Is How The Ladies Dance.
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul”, the American dancer Martha Graham observed with a critical eye, even a fondness for her own craft, and it is in this hidden language of the Scottish Outer Hebrides that the pleasure of the soul is renewed, expanded upon for all, regardless of whether they know their quickstep from their salsa, or their left from their right, what matters is that the appreciation for newcomers Eabhal is seen as more than just a foray, a teenage embarrassed delight at the invitation to join the mass reel, and instead is rejoiced as a fully-fledged festive gathering.
The sound created by Eabhal’s Megan MacDonald, Jamie MacDonald, Nicky Kirk, Hamish Hepburn, Kaitlin Ross, and the two guest artists on the album, Charlie Stewart and Chloe Bryce is one of homage and excitement, a relish in between each breath, a savour of the Scottish spirit and independent feel. This Is How The Ladies Dance is only a debut in name, in effect it is the result of continual perseverance and outstanding attitude, it is a mark of respect to all in the band that the finished product has all the hall marks of a band that has put out a series of records, not celebrating the passion of their first.
The sense of dynamism overflows, and in tracks such as Lads, Windsong, Ladies and The Artist, all is poise and truth, there is no shirking back on responsibility, no holding back against the worry of expression; for ladies dance as a tune is played, and it is to them we should learn.
Ian D. Hall