Pilgrims’ Way - Shining Gently All Around

A surprise Christmas offering, Shining Gently All Around is a festive treat that shouldn’t be missed.

Featuring a sneak-peak from their forthcoming album and a re-working of the Incredible String Band’s cult Christmas track Chinese White, the Stockport trio prove once again that they are a shining light on the British folk scene.

The lead track on the EP, Magic Christmas Tree is a haunting tale with a tune and imagery to match. Asking whether or not your Magic Christmas Tree will be shining when all around is ’mouldering’ or ’dying’, vocalist Lucy Wright takes centre stage throughout. Her clear voice sails easily over the gentle accompaniment, keeping the tone and atmosphere stark and bold, as the lyrics demand.

The release then takes a slightly more recognisable route, ticking all the right boxes for their new album. Light Dragoon is a melodeon masterpiece, guaranteed to get your toes tapping. And once you’re all warmed up, Tom Kitching lets loose with great gusto for the fiddling frenzy that is Howden Town.

A varied selection of tracks Gently Shining All Around is a feast for the ears this winter. An unconventional offering, which promises great things for their next release. Brilliant.