Last month, we premiered the video for Gaol a’ Chruidh, the debut single from Scottish folk collective Staran featuring Kim Carnie (vocals), John Lowrie (Piano, Harmonium, Rhodes, Percussion), Innes White (Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Mandolin), James Lindsay (Double Bass) and Jack Smedley (Fiddle) – Their debut album also features backing vocals from Megan Henderson on two tracks.
Today we have the pleasure of sharing their second single ahead of the release of their self-titled album (set for release on Friday 21 May 2021). ‘Balcarres’ was written by the brains behind the collective, John Lowrie, and arranged together with Jack Smedley and Innes White.
John said, on the inspiration behind the single: “This single is a shortened radio edit of a longer piece of music, all of which is the development of one simple melodic theme that can be heard throughout the track.”
“The track is named after Balcarres Avenue in Glasgow where I lived for several years and is a period of time that holds many happy memories for me. I tried to convey some of this joy and a little bit of nostalgia in this composition.”
From the shimmering acoustic opening and deep pulsing beat, Staran demonstrate a keen ear and the ability to gently build their compositions, layering their sound and creating a contemporary soundscape upon which they play out tradition. For me, what sets Staran apart is the way they infuse traditional music with jazz and experimental elements, they do so in an intelligently instinctive way, nothing feels forced and their compositions have both a natural ebb and flow and an alluring vibrancy that draws you in. They also make it look so easy, music to happily lose yourself in.
Pre-order the album at https://staran.bandcamp.com/releases
(Released 21st May 2021)
More details: https://www.staranmusic.com/