Nicol and Elliot are Andrew and Rachel, respectively. A duo who met at Celtic Connections in their hometown of Glasgow. Two string musicians whose languid guitar and fiddle stylings perfectly correspond as much as their vocals contrast. Sadly, there are only four tracks to enjoy, but each note takes its time and makes itself worthwhile; there is no filler here. With two previous singles out on Electric Honey at the end of last year, they are songwriting quickly and well, which is a good sign. They are accompanied by fellow Glaswegian Attic Lights pedal steel player Tim Davidson on both ‘The Long Way Down’ and ‘So Long Ago’ which is a welcome addition on this dusty cowboy of an EP. ‘So Long Ago’ echoes Nick Cave’s ‘Wild Rose’, with its dark harmonies and smoky strings but without being derivative, while the title track has the lazy trip-hop feel of Morcheeba’s ‘Part of the Process’.
Recorded at the same staunchly DIY studio as Trembling Bells, the EP has the same close feel, which befits an acoustic duo. These pair have struck on something that deserves to make a comeback; the kind Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood would have been pleased about. AUK looks forward, hopefully, to reviewing a full album: our hearts will wait.
