Scots on the Rocks

Scots on the Rocks
Tartan Terrors
Tartan Terrors, Inc.

Though they acknowledge that the popularity of shows such as Riverdance opened the door, the Canadian music/theater/comedy troupe Tartan Terrors have been described as Riverdance's evil twin. Listeners will be equally likely to encounter broad humor as broadswords at a Tartan Terrors show, and the group refers to the first three rows of seats at any show as the "flash zone." (Let's just say that the kilts are regulation.)

Of course, hearing them on a CD does not have quite the same effect. For one thing, no sheep are (audibly) involved in the production, even though they are given an honorary mention in the song "Scotland Depraved." Still, the group's musical talent rings through loud and clear, from the opening notes of "Bonnie Dundee" (courtesy of Piper Dan, who is apparently shot at the end of "Getting Jiggy").

A major selling point for this group is their evident joy in what they do. It is not just their willingness to turn anything into a joke that makes this clear; every note of Scots on the Rocks is entertaining. In truth, though, that lightness and comic timing is more difficult to affect than utter seriousness. (One of the most affecting tunes on the CD is titled "Bloated Sheep.") But the Terrors can be serious as well; "Dark Island" is a sweet, somewhat sentimental ballad, and the instrumental "Mist Covered Mountains" soars, with the pipes out front where they belong.

Instrumentally, the troupe keeps things simple, with pipes and drums, a fiddle, accordion, mandolin, guitar, and bass. The Terrors achieve a remarkably full sound, and they are not always traditional; witness Terrors member Barry Croaker's "Grim Reaper Blues." The song is not quite as assured as the Scottish material, but it is well-written and strongly performed.

Scots on the Rocks winds up with a rousing medley which proves that their hearts (and other relevant organs) are all in the right place
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--Genevieve Williams