Whither Scottish music in the 21st century? Tradition is heading for a permanent place in the lost and found office and all that currently is has already been what it was before what it is was created. Onwards therefore, with joy anticipated, to “The Last Light” by the modern caretakers of the Scottish musical spirt. I speak, of course, of Valtos.
“The Last Light” demonstrates that the confidence of this duo - Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald – has increased to such a degree that even the contributions of the many musical worthies of this hallowed land – Lucia and The Best Boys and Julie Fowlis to name but a few – can be seen as relegated to the support of their mastery of merciless looping. The sequenced ghost of the dancefloor haunts this album and no exorcism from even the most blessed could reduce the likely impact on the feet and minds of the many who would happily now dance in the colours of the devil’s light.
Valtos make their intent clear with “The Last Light” and that intent is to reach the souls of the masses through their feet. Nothing wrong with that, of course, and, just maybe, some of those duly hypnotized by the metronomic beats will perhaps wonder where they might find the true soul of Scotland.