This is what one would call a strong debut -- not necessarily a stunning album, but a convincing first effort that holds many promises. McDowell is first and foremost the project of ex-Lamaq and Spectrasonic Mark McDowell, who writes all the music and lyrics (except for a cover of Donovan's "Widow With Shawl"), sings, and plays guitar and keyboards. The only other official member of the group is Rocker (keyboards, samplers). All the other musicians involved in this recording make guest appearances, adding harmonica here, trumpet there, bass and drums on a couple of tracks. Rook's Wedding stands miles away from McDowell's garage rock past. Resolutely folky, the album is dominated by acoustic guitars, soft-spoken melodies, and references to medieval madrigals, sea shanties, the British folk of Fairport Convention and Amazing Blondel, and the American folk-rock legacy of Bob Dylan. But these influences are elegantly integrated in a timeless form of songwriting. It makes the intrusion of electronics in the instrumental tunes "Cajun Dust" and "Weobley Rose" all the more unfit. They remain minor irritating factors balanced out by McDowell's charming voice, limited in range but very gentle, reminiscent of the young Donovan -- including that Glasgow accent. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide
