Our Albums
ReDrawing Edinburgh, by Dowally (2021):
Our latest release is the soundtrack to a wonderful film of archive footage, which was projected on to various outdoor locations in five communities in Edinburgh. The film marks the centennial commemoration of the 1920 Edinburgh Boundaries Extension and Tramways Act, which brought these five communities, each with their local identity, into the City of Edinburgh. It was a total joy to write and record this music, which saw us expand yet again the sonic flavours in our palette, incorporating synthesisers (just one actually, don't worry), muted pianos, button accordions and more. We're now re-working the pieces to play them live as a duo.
early bird // night owl, by Dowally (2020):
On our third album, we discovered the joy of the studio, adding new sounds and layers, not necessarily restricting ourselves to a live take. There's harmonium, muted piano, samples of camera clicks and we have our first turn on lead vocals. We had the usual special guests of Graham Coe (cello) and Phil Alexander (accordion) plus the wonderful Michael Starkey on Banjo (our bandmate in old-timey group Wayward Jane). Mostly original compositions, with a few of traditional songs and reels, we like to think of this as a proper chocolate box of an album. We've grown as musicians and as a band over the years, and we think the Dowally sound is in plain view here, but with no hint of Déjà vu.
Somewhere, by Dowally (2018):
Our second release features Phil Alexander (Accordion/Piano) and Graham Coe (Cello) again, as well as Ciaran Ryan on Banjo/Fiddle and Dominic Blaikie on vocals. Every track was performed live and as well as 8 original tunes, there is a dark reworking of The Beatles' 'And I Love Her' as well as an unusual fusion of an Arctic Monkeys' song with an Irish reel in 'Fluorescent Banshee'. Recorded in the magnificent Castlesound Studios in 2018, we received BBC airplay and reviews such as “a teeming mass of musical ideas and cultural exchanges” (Northern Sky Magazine).
Artwork by Rafaela Taylor
Dowally, by Dowally (2015):
We initially planned this album as a demo, but as soon as Phil Alexander came along to lend some accordion, as well as Graham Coe on his Cello (as well as recording, mixing and mastering!) we knew it was something we wanted people to hear. It was recorded in Napier University music studios in 2015. Every track is an original tune, performed live with the raw edge and palpable energy of a brand new band.
Artwork by Heedi Design.
