Brother Wind is the newest release from Scottish folk band Gnoss (Scots Trad Music Awards ‘Up And Coming’ Nominees 2017) – a four-track EP available now via Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music.
A forward-thinking blend of folk-rooted influences, Brother Wind (recorded in central Glasgow by Gus Stirrat at Solas Sounds before being mastered at GloWorm Recording by Iain Hutchison) showcases what is at the heart of Gnoss’ sound; energetic tune playing, intricately arranged folk song, and self-penned compositions. Neil McFadyen managed to catch them at Celtic Connections in 2016 for their eponymous debut album launch and stated (without having heard the album) that “if the level of skill and creativity that goes into their enjoyable and imaginative live sets is any indication, it must be well worth seeking out.” They haven’t disappointed since then – in fact, by developing from a duo to a four-piece they have opened up the possibilities they so relished in those earlier days and taken their music to another level as can be clearly heard on the new EP.
All current and former students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Gnoss is made up of Graham Rorie (fiddle and mandolin), Aidan Moodie (guitar and vocals) Connor Sinclair (flutes/whistles and vocals) and Craig Baxter (bodhran and percussion). Taking inspiration from a wealth of Scottish musical traditions, the boys have been tipped as “ones to watch” by Songlines magazine for their lively, engaging, and honest performances.
Through the richly layered vocal lines in Brother Wind (Tim O’Brien), the heavy groove underpinning The Bodhran Set, or the delicately arranged Scots ballad I Will Set My Ship In Order, this introduction to Gnoss’ innovative take on a warmly familiar sound commands your attention until the final fiery seconds of The Moul Head, a set of reels rooted in the musical heritage of Graham and Aidan’s home in Orkney.
The EP’s launch will be marked by an extensive tour, details of upcoming dates are below.
Order the new EP via Bandcamp: https://gnossmusic.bandcamp.com/album/brother-wind-ep
Gnoss Upcoming Tour Dates
07/04/2018 – Eyemouth Hippodrome
08/04/2018 – White Church, Comrie
10/04/2018 – Boat of Garten Community Hall
11/04/2018 – Carnegie Hall, Portmahomack
12/04/2018 – Pulteney Centre, Wick
13/04/2018 – Sutherland Sessions, Invershin Hotel
14/04/2018 – Logie Durno Hall
16/04/2018 – Glenfarg Folk Club
02/05/2018 – The Edinburgh Folk Club
24-27/05/2018 – Orkney Folk Festival
01/06/2018 – The Portsoy Haal
07/07/2018 – Folk at the Hall (WAL)
29/07/2018 – Warwick Folk Festival (ENG)
05/08/2018 – Sidmouth Fringe (ENG)
06-11/08/2018 – Festival Interceltique de Lorient (FR)
08/09/2018 – Best of the West Festival, Inveraray
For more details visit: http://gnossmusic.com/