Doghouse Roses - Lost is Not Losing

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 25 / 2 / 2017

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It’s been a long time coming but Glasgow duo Doghouse Roses finally release their third studio album, ‘Lost is Not Losing’ on the Yellowroom Music label. It’s been six long years since we were captivated by ‘This Broken Key’, and, like many others at the time, noted that the sound the duo produced owed a debt to the classic sixties folk of Bert Jansch and vocalist Iona MacDonald could quite fairly be compared to the likes of Sandy Denny. While there was a contemporary edge to their music which shone through making Doghouse Roses stand out from this new generation of folk artists, on ‘Lost is Not Losing’ they bring the genre right up to date. So much so, in fact, that while there is little doubt as to what keeps this duo’s musical heart beating, the resulting sound is not only gorgeous but the most contemporary take on folk music we’re likely to hear for some time. The combination of Paul Tasker’s intricate guitar playing and Iona MacDonald’s expressive vocals were like a breath of fresh air when ‘This Broken Key’ introduced many to this talented duo and comparisons to Fairport Convention and Pentangle were accurate and well deserved, but even all those years ago it was obvious that the combined talents of this pair produced something special and magical. ‘Lost is Not Losing’ retains this magic and, even though it’s still early days, this collection of eleven original songs sounds like it will eclipse the beauty displayed on their last album. While those earlier comparisons still ring true to some extent and Tasker’s fingerpicking style of guitar is still captivating, there are times on this latest collection of songs where shades of Richard Thompson colour the songs and occasionally, even though the Denny/McShee nuances in MacDonald’s vocals can still be heard, Margo Timmins comes to mind more than a few times. ‘Weather The Storm’ sounds not too unlike a souped-up Cowboy Junkies and when a scorching lead guitar break is finally set free at the heart of the song (from guest guitarist John Alexander) time simply stands still. The fact that this is followed by a stunning, composed vocal performance from MacDonald and with both male and female back-up only adds to the hauntingly beautiful atmosphere created by this track. ‘Fairground’ is another standout, a pretty melody at odds with the lyrics on this ballad about a woman of the night; MacDonald’s vocals coupled with harmonies from Katie McArthur send chills down the spine, while Jez Hellard’s harmonica weaving in and out add so much texture to the song. The lyrics, from MacDonald, are particularly astute showing that there’s so much more to her talents than just an exceptional vocalist. ‘Crooked Life’, a Tasker song, brings out a poppier side to the duo’s sounds; Imagine Stevie Nicks-era Fleetwood Mac getting together with the Cowboy Junkies and you’re almost halfway there. ‘After Sun’ is simply beautiful, shorn of any help from the talented bunch of musicians that MacDonald and Tasker have assembled to bring the majority of these new songs to life. This song, which addresses environmental issues, shines brightly with just MacDonald’s pure vocals and Tasker’s exceptional guitar skills on show. Stripped back musically it may be but it packs a bigger punch for that. There are diversions on the album; ‘Diesel Engine’ is a shuffling, country-hued departure which takes time to fully appreciate. It’s a struggle to hear co-lead vocalist Biff Smith over MacDonald’s assured vocals but Dejan Lapanja’s lead guitar work elevates the song from being merely good to great. ‘Lost is Not Losing’ confirms what those who have had the pleasure of hearing Doghouse Roses before already knew; that Paul Tasker is an exceptional guitarist who, despite wearing his influences, proudly on his sleeve has developed a style of his own and that Iona MacDonald is a vocalist who has few equals. The albums this duo produce when they combine their talents are always special. Here’s to hoping that it’s not another six years before we hear from them again.

Track Listing:-

1 Pour
2 To Decide
3 Feed the Monster
4 The Whistle Song
5 Weather the Storm
6 Fairground
7 Crooked Life
8 After Sun
9 Diesel Engine
10 New Year Rag
11 Days of Grass and Sun

Band Links:-

http://doghouseroses.net/
https://www.facebook.com/doghouseroses/
https://twitter.com/doghouseroses

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