Review: Lord Lovat’s Lament / Bruce’s Address Lament by The Dagenham Girl Pipers
The Dagenham Girl Pipers were a curious bunch—a band of young women from the UK who took traditional pipe and drum music into uncharted territory back in 1933. Their album Lord Lovat’s Lament / Bruce’s Address Lament is an intriguing slice of brass and military history, packed with marches that feel like they could rally an army or at least get your feet tapping. Released on the Panachord label, this record isn’t just a relic of its time; it's got some real charm for anyone willing to give it a spin.
One track that stands out is “Lord Lovat’s Lament.” It’s haunting but not overly dramatic—just enough to make you pause mid-step if you’re walking while listening (which I may or may not have done). The bagpipes here are mournful yet melodic, proving that even sadness can sound triumphant when played right. You can almost picture misty Scottish hills as the tune unfolds. What sticks with me most is how simple it feels, no frills or overproduction—just pure emotion carried by steady drumbeats and those unmistakable pipes.
Then there’s “Earl Of Mansfield March,” which flips the mood entirely. This one’s bold and brassy, perfect for parades or maybe storming a castle. The rhythm grabs hold of you immediately, making it impossible not to nod along. I found myself replaying this track because it has this infectious energy that sneaks up on you—it’s hard to explain, but it feels like victory bottled up in three minutes. There’s something oddly satisfying about how clean and crisp everything sounds, considering the recording tech available back then.
What makes this album special is how it blends solemnity and celebration within the same project. Tracks like these remind us why military-style music has stuck around for so long—it taps into something primal, whether it’s pride, grief, or sheer adrenaline. Sure, the production quality might show its age, but honestly? That adds character rather than detracting from it.
Reflection time: Listening to this album made me realize how much we take modern music tech for granted. Back in ’33, capturing these performances must’ve been half artistry, half wizardry. And hey, who knew girl pipers could pull off such commanding tunes? Hats off to The Dagenham crew—they weren’t messing around.
