The latest releases reviewed.

CATRIONA MCKAY Starfish  Glimster Records ****

Whether divine intervention or dogged hard labour have fuelled Scottish harper Catriona McKay's latest collection, Starfish is a thing of extraordinary beauty. Jettison all preconceptions of the harp as an effete instrument. McKay, a frequent collaborator with Chris Stout and member of Fiddlers Bid, is on intimate terms with her chosen instrument. She flexes every muscle and sinew of its length and breadth here, in the process creating densely packed, complex tunes and tunings that goad, challenge and appease in equal measure. Matters maritime permeate Starfish, with Cape of Good Hope building to a decidedly eastern-flavoured crescendo in tribute to lone sailor Ellen McArthur, with fiddler

Donald Grant and guitarist Fionán De Barra widening McKay's horizons ever further. Layered delights reveal themselves with each successive exposure: a sure recipe for longevity. www.catrionamckay. co.uk

Download tracks: Greenman, Swan LK243