The State Broadcasters have become almost venerable given the regard with which they are held within the cosy confines of the Scottish music scene. Masters of making the seemingly mundane endearing, their new album “Ghosts We Must Carry” continues this tradition.
And traditional they are with each and every song infused with the drawn through time sentimentality beloved of folk musicians. However, this turns out to be no bad thing for this is an unhurried and relaxing album that never has to raise the pace over that of a fast shuffle. Without doubt, The State Broadcasters know what they are doing and songs such as “Kittiwake” also show hidden depth and end up being less about relationships on the edge and more about a poetic reassessment of all our indifferences. Keeping that song company is one of the album’s highlights, “The Only One”, that is altogether more emotionally reactive in its performance – perhaps due to the impassioned female lead vocal – than anything that follows. Indeed, “Takeshi” and “Where I Belong” seem somewhat Capra-esque in comparison.
The State Broadcasters give you what you have come to expect from them. Whilst “Ghosts We Must Carry” will not raise your blood pressure, it is clear that a good deal of care and attention has gone into its creation and, for that, we should all be grateful. This is what a nice cup of tea must sound like. A lot of people like a nice cup of tea.