Photo Credit: Gregg Houston (BabySweet)
It’s been just under two years since Nathan Evans joined forces with SAINT PHNX on Arabella, and in that time, the trio have gone from strength to strength. Performing across the UK and Europe, building a fiercely loyal fanbase, and sharing their unmistakable Scottish folk-pop sound with audiences around the globe, they’ve truly cemented themselves as a supergroup in a remarkably short space of time.
That’s why it almost feels surreal that Angels’ Share is their debut album. With 12 tracks and only five released ahead of its arrival, the stakes are undeniably high for Nathan, Stevie and Alan – and I’m happy to report that they’ve delivered an absolute winner.
The album opens with its title track, Angels’ Share, and within the first minute, I found myself genuinely choked up. It’s a beautifully emotional piece, driven by raw storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings while paying tribute to those no longer with us. It’s a powerful reminder to honour memories and celebrate legacy, making it a deeply moving and commendable introduction to the record. It also perfectly encapsulates Nathan Evans and SAINT PHNX’s sound: true Scottish folk at its core. Telling stories, capturing moments, and creating a haven of proudly Scottish music.
Next comes Arabella, the track that brought the brothers and Evans together in the first place. It needs no introduction – it’s catchy, addictive, and practically impossible to sit still while listening. Track three, Milarrochy Bay, continues the momentum.
Like Arabella, it found viral success on TikTok, complete with its own dance, and for good reason. It’s a top-tier blend of Nathan Evans’ classic folk sound and SAINT PHNX’s alternative edge, wrapped into a slice of perfection that homes in on the feeling of returning somewhere that truly feels like home.
Happy Place follows a SAINT PHNX original that was initially released with Jasmine Thompson. Written about the loss of the brothers’ father, the reimagined version featuring Nathan adds a fresh emotional layer that I absolutely adore. There’s a lightness and warmth to the track – reflective, respectful, and tonally aligned with Angels’ Share. It feels almost like a diary entry to fans, continuing the album’s thread of shared stories and lived experiences.
Islay dives headfirst into the Scottish folk sound that first introduced many of us to Nathan Evans back in 2020 with Wellerman. Carefully crafted to showcase his powerful vocals and distinctive storytelling, the track flows seamlessly into The Tide and the trio’s reimagined take on the iconic Cotton Eyed Joe. Each song stays true to the group’s roots while still managing to bring something fresh to the table, a balance they strike effortlessly throughout the record.
One of the more recent releases, The Wedding, arrived in December ahead of the album drop. Sampling a beat most of us will instantly recognise, Nathan Evans and SAINT PHNX mould it into something entirely their own. It leans slightly more pop than earlier tracks, but still retains that organic Scottish folk core. It’s catchy, clever, and undeniably artistic.
Every album has a slight dip, and for me, that comes with Drinking Song, which feels a little weaker compared to the surrounding tracks. That said, it’s quickly forgiven when followed by Blood and Bone, an anthemic standout fuelled by rich storytelling. This leads into All Roads, and when a track opens with pure bagpipes and an organ, you know you’re in for something special. Any mention of Caledonia immediately fills me with warmth, pride and that unmistakably Scottish feeling.
It wouldn’t feel right to review this album without mentioning how I first discovered Nathan Evans. After moving from England to Scotland in 2018, a friend introduced me to his music post-lockdown, and it was Heather on the Hill that truly struck a chord. It felt wholesome, welcoming, and made me realise just how deeply I love Scotland. The power of a single song to evoke that level of emotion is something every artist strives for – and as the album closes with Last Orders, I found myself feeling the same way all over again.
“We ain’t gonna leave tonight until they call last orders” – a few lines capture Scottish hospitality and social culture quite like that.
Angels Share brings together everything Nathan Evans and SAINT PHNX stand for: creating music that showcases Scotland while translating grit, stories and memories into songs you’ll have on repeat long after the final track fades out.
For a debut album, the trio have absolutely smashed it – and I genuinely can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
