Our Song of the Day comes from Lewis born musician and composer Iain Morrison. Taken from his new work titled SÀL, the accompanying video for Cogadh II was made by Scottish-based artists Matthew Dalziel and Louise Scullion. The new work is described as a technical and emotional tour de force – after watching the video below, you can see why. It is the first major artist commission to commemorate the centenary of the Iolaire, co-commissioned by An Lanntair and 14-18 NOW.
In the early hours of 1 January 1919, Iolaire was carrying sailors who had fought in the First World War back to the Scottish Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides when, a mile away from Stornoway Harbour, she hit the infamous rocks “The Beasts of Holm” and sank – over 200 lives were lost, representing almost an entire generation of young men from the Islands. The worst peacetime shipping disaster in British coastal waters of the 20th Century. Iain’s grandfather was one of those who lost his life that night, a night which should have been a homecoming celebration, an end to war.
This event is the genesis of this work which Iain describes as “a story that has been deep in me since I can remember”.
The combination of voice, music, choreography, and a beautiful mastery of the lens by Dalziel and Scullion serve to create a piece that is both powerful and moving. Visually it flows from a sense of intense urgency and helplessness to moments of tranquillity and acceptance. This is one of the best videos I’ve seen in a long time, incredible work; all those involved should be wholeheartedly applauded for their vision and creativity.
The album is released on November 8th via Peat Fire Smoke Records.