Goldmine's Review of "The Double-Cross" March 2006

The Double Cross
Magna Carta (MA-9083-2)

Tempest are an interesting, if hard to classify, group.
Led by Norwegian Lief Sorbye, the band is composed of
players who hail from all over the globe. They play a
unique blend of traditional folk, Celtic and rock music
that puts them in the same musical neighborhood as
Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention.
Their latest effort, The Double Cross, finds the band in
excellent form. The return of fiddler Michael Mullen
and the addition of bassist Ariane Cap adds some powerful
musical muscle to the lineup. Mullen is a versatile
player who also contributes songs to the mix, while
Cap’s aggressive style makes listeners sit up and take
notice. In addition to standards such as “Hangman,”
“Eppy Moray” and “Cabar Feidh,” the band throws in
tasty original gems such as “Captain Kidd,” the rousing
instrumental “Slippery Slide,” the haunting “Vision
Quest” and “Whoever You Are.” Longtime producer
Robert Berry’s “live in the studio” approach showcases
them at their best without sacrificing sonic clarity.
Folky at times and hard-driving at others (thanks to
guitarist Ronan Carroll, Cap and drummer Adolfo Lazo), 
The Double Cross succeeds as a great example of
21st century folk-rock and one rousing listen. Tempest
have shifted lineups a lot over their past few albums.
Maybe this one will stay together for a while and produce
more fine works like this one.
— Conrad L. Stinnett