The Proclaimers: Born Innocent

Reviewed by GRAHAM REID

Herald rating: * * * *

The Scottish duo's concert in March last year was like a reggae-for-white-folks gig: rocking folk grounded in the Everly Brothers and Scottish politics isn't for everyone, but for those who shook the floor of the Regent it was a soul celebration.

Against the odds the Reid twins have been consistently creative within their American-framed folk-pop constraints, and here, with a barrage of electric guitars, celebratory and huge choruses, those engaging vowel shifts ("yoo shooed-a bin laav'd"), and dark minor chords in their uplifting pop tunes, this one bristles with energy, grit-teeth anger, intelligent lyrics, and hooks like a gaff.

Produced by Edwyn Collins, more white-knuckled punk than previous outings, shot through with rockabilly touches and with the occasional breather in songs like the heartfelt Unguarded Moments and Redeemed make for a cracking album and a soul celebration.

Wull ye gnaw cam buck agin, bays?

(Shock)