Oysterband's new studio album, Diamonds on the Water, is the band's first new collection of original songs in seven years.

These are the first Oysterband recordings since the departure of Ray “Chopper” Cooper to pursue a solo career. Al Scott, the band’s long-time producer, has stepped in on bass and mandolin. The folk group sound, on occasion, like a cross between The Waterboys and R.E.M.

The album contains 12 tracks (45 mins). Personal highlights include the toe-tapping 'A River Runs'; 'Diamonds On The Water'; 'The Wilderness'; and the upbeat 'Call You Friend'

The album's title track 'Diamonds on the Water' has a retro vibe to it, and is easily the album's most inviting track. Even if you hate folk music with a passion, you'll find it hard not to enjoy this track. In fact, even if you're not normally a fan of folk this is still worth giving a go - it wonderfully straddles the line between folk and indie.

7

Nick Smithson