AFTER two years playing the festival circuit in both the UK and France, Malvern band Malthouse Passage has released its debut CD.

The five-piece group mixes instruments such as the hammered dulcimer and melodeon with bass and guitar to create the diverse, folky sound featured on Over a Barrel.

The band used a mixture of traditional and contemporary techniques to create the album at Kempsey's Old Smithy Studio, with live sessions only tweaked slightly to create the impression of a choir on certain tracks.

All band members, Dave Young, Lisa Warburton, Cathy Rollo, Alan Courtney and Nick Simon, contribute vocals to the recording.

Over a Barrel is available by post from Malt Records, 31 Victoria Park Rd, Malvern, WR14 2JX priced £11.50. Cheques should be payable to A Courtney. Copies of the CD are also on sale at the Riding High cycle gallery and museum in Belle Vue Terrace.