Alastair Clark (16th May 1996)

"At their stunning finest when all the brakes are off, as in “The Minister’s Set”… low key tracks show their most sensitive side...the unbridled roller-coaster instrumentals….linger in the ear "

The Living Tradition

Chris MacKenzie (Issue 16, May/June 1996 )

"Deaf Shepherd’s excellent debut…….(they)have got one of the most energetic sounds around

Dirty Linen

Jim Lee( August/September 1996)

"“Gies a Drink” the opening track on Deaf Shepherd’s first release, should leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that these people can play. But there’s more to Deaf Shepherd than fast playing. This is a band that realises that the melody is just as important and most of the instrumentals never lose sight of this. They’re not afraid to let a tune play itself out, to give it space to bring out its full sound……a shining debut of compelling tunes and excellent playing."

John O’Regan

(Broadcaster and Freelance Journalist, Ireland) 1996

"Deaf Shepherd are one of the hottest new bands out of Scotland. They combine the hell for leather attack of the Tannahill Weavers crossed with the Bothy Band. Sets like “Gies a Drink” and “The Minister’s Set” provide their ace cards in abundance; a fiery fiddle and pipes front line is given sterling support by guitar, bouzouki and bodhran. Vocally the contrast is made with quieter songs such as “Peggy Gordon”, “Logan Braes” and the gorgeous “Lost for Words at Sea”. Fiery, committed and brimming with energy, Deaf Shepherd lead the way for the new Scots roots bands to follow. Superb. "

The Living Tradition

Chris MacKenzie (Issue 17, July/August 1996)

"Big pipes, little pipes, whistles or fiddle it doesn’t matter which instrument this young Scottish band choose to lead with, the result is as lively as a nudist camp full of midges (Skye midges at that). This is no one paced CD though, as with all good bands Deaf Shepherd can slow things right down when needed which gives the CD a rounded, complete feel. Full marks…for producing a lively and entertaining CD which is a delight to listen to"

Steppin’ Out

Pete Fyffe (1996)

"Take no prisoners - here come Deaf Shepherd. The opening chord on accordion is so reminiscent of those ceilidh introductions that by the time you’ve overcome the shock of the warpipes in full flow, you’re carried along by the sheer enthusiasm...Great "

Folk On Tap

Phu (1996)

"….a five piece group with a traditional sound…which very effectively vary the texture and colour of the music throughout this recording. “Ae Spark o Natue’s Fire” is a fine debut album……They certainly have the spark of something about them and the ensuing fire looks like spreading pretty damn quick in all directions"

Sing Out!

KR (Vol. 41#2, 1996)

"Most of this album consists of instrumental medleys, but there are also several songs featuring tight vocal harmonies - the acappella passages of “Logan Braes” are outstanding…..this album is highly recommended."