“Start Something New” is the album opener. It’s a mandolin driven number that has a slight So-Cal feel. Listening to this track, everybody will be aware that Black Water County are at the forefront of the English Celtic/folk punk scene together with the likes of Roughneck Riot and Mick O’Toole.

The next cut is called “The Painful Truth”. It runs at a lower speed than the previous song, but, at the end of the song, Black Water County speed up.

“Way Down Low” is one of the highlights on “Taking Chances”. It starts with acoustic guitar and then tin whistle. Tim sings first and then Shan sings too, perfectly backed by the banjo. The last half of the song is spotless, with banjo, tin whistle and amazing fiddling.

“If Only You Were Here” is a badass number. This fast-paced song starts with great drumming and fiddling. Shan shines on lead lead vocals.

The following track is my fave, “Rise and Fall”. Firstly tin whistle and acoustic guitar. A 1-2-3 shout and Shan sings with the rest of the band backing perfectly. Banjo and tin whistle lead the theme. Shan slows down backed by the acoustic guitar and banjo and another 1-2-3 counting is the starting point for a fast-paced end.

“One More Beer Won’t Hurt” is sung by Tim and it has a punk edge. Towards the middle of the song there is a banjo, tin whistle and fiddle part backed by a Brit-pop sounding drumming. Tim sings again and the vocals become angrier and then the punk twist comes again.

Track no. 7, “Memories from Another Life” have grown on me. I liked this slow number sung by Shan, but after some spins I can say that I really love it. Acoustic guitar, female vocals, fiddle joins and then Tim sings with Shan. Andy makes a great job on drums too.

“Rambling Johnny”, a song from their previous EP, is revisited on “Taking Chances”. The new version features guests Neil Doherty on trumpet, Nick Smith on tenor sax and Géza Molnár on trombone, adding the full ska flavor.

The horns can be heard too on the next number, “No Regrets”, a song with a Brit-pop from the 80´s feel.

“Under Skies of Black and Blue” is another standout. Shan sings lead vocals on this Flogging Molly infused number. In other words, banjo and fiddle are excellent.

The album is over with “Seeing is Believing”, a ballad sung by Tim backed by tin whistle and acoustic guitar, apart from some backing vocals. Even at their slow numbers these boys and girl don’t fail.

“Taking Chances” comes in a jewel case and the eight page booklet provides all the information about the CD: line-up, guests, studio credits, lyrics and songwriters. The artwork has been made by Bradley and Shan.

Black Water County have grown up. They’re better musicians and they write better songs. But their sound is not “adult”. Quite the contrary, they’ve kept the fresh and young attitude and their songs are always catchy and addictive. A must have album.
 

1. Start Something New 3:01
2. The Painful Truth 3:39
3. Way Down Low 3:40
4. If Only You Were Here 3:25
5. Rise and Fall 3:50
6. One More Beer Won’t Hurt 4:23
7. Memories from Another Life 5:38
8. Rambling Johnny 3:54
9. No Regrets 3:53
10. Under Skies of Black and Blue 4:35
11. Seeing Is Believing 4:22

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Review by Kinksmarkham

You can also check out the album review that our friends from London Celtic Punks posted.

Start Something New by Black Water County
One More Beer Won’t Hurt by Black Water County