"Moving Sands" - The Picts

• artist:
  The Picts
• country:
  United Kingdom
• release year:
  2002
• style(s): Celtic Rock
• formats:
  • CD (Compact Disc)
• record submitted by:
  Pict Records Ltd
• label:
  Pict Records Ltd

This, the long awaited second album
of The picts may well have been a
while in coming, but early response
suggests that it will be even more
successful than its predecessor, the
highly acclaimed The Island.

The concept of Moving Sands is
loosely based on time and seasons.
Similar to The Island it is a fusion of
the original and traditional but
delivered with a more contemporary
and progressive edge.

This project sees The Picts first
collaboration with other artists on a
recording. The cellist Sarah Nelson
appears on three of the four songs;
Spring, Dusk and A Winter's Night.
Stevie Laurence plays whistle on the
slow and moving Kirsty's Tune and
saxophonist Stuart Forbes adds to
the moody atmosphere in Dusk.

There is an excellent mix of moods
and approaches on this release. Of
the four songs on the album (one for
each season) Spring is uplifting and
powerful with dynamic vocals and
rhythmic fiddles. Wonder of Love is
fast and rocky where Dusk and A
Winter's Night are laid back and
reflective, yet lack nothing in power.
All four songs are colourful and
create vivid pictures with both words
and music, without encouraging
sentimentalism.

The opening track, Daybreak along
with the four sets of tunes; Recorded
With Shades On, Moving Sands,
Blackberry Bush and Thunderhead,
have all captured the live energy
which has made the band such a
successful and popular live act.
All of The Picts trademark sounds
are brought into play, the rapid
acceleration, explosive energy,
irresistible rhythms, power and
crafted backings.

Long Wave is the kind of track that
creates a different mood with every
listening, cheeky, quirky, laid back,
fun.... It is The Picts first adventure
into programming and sampling and
proving to be very popular. The
Beardance and Kirsty's Tune are
both beautifully orchestrated pieces,
which show a more intimate side of
the band. The Beardance is quite
broody and subtle. where Kirsty's
Tune is haunting and spacious.

One thing is guaranteed after
listening to the music of The Picts,
you will go away whistling the tunes!