In May, triple Scots Trad Awards nominees Gnoss released their third album ‘Stretching Skyward‘, a Featured Album of the Month on Folk Radio. That album delivered a few pleasant surprises, as noted by Billy Rough in his review:
Gnoss have, in a surprisingly short period of time, managed to cultivate their very own sound, and whilst it may have been tempting to deliver much the same here, it is a testament to their desire to stretch, develop, and challenge themselves that they moved outside of their comfort zone by tackling a more contemporary sound. It’s hard to believe they have only been playing together for eight years; their tunes, song writing, and musicianship have already become so accomplished and layered.
It’s a clever mix of musicianship which make up Gnoss, with founders Orcadian Aidan Moodie on vocals and acoustic guitar, and fellow Orcadian Graham Rorie on fiddle and mandolin. Added to this are Perthshire’s Connor Sinclair on flute and whistles, Clackmannanshire’s Craig Baxter on bodhran and percussion, whilst Breabach’s James Lindsay guests with some electric and double bass. With musical tastes and influences sourced from almost all corners of Scotland, it is a testament to the band’s core identity that they retain a strong sense of their Orkney origins – looking back to the history of their isles and to the wider influence beyond.
He concludes: There is a well-earned quiet confidence on show here, with a soft, subtle touch of Americana filtering through the band’s more traditional Scottish sound. It’s an innovative and accomplished meld.
You now have the chance to witness this in full effect as their Stretching Skyward launch tour is now underway; see the dates below. They say, “There are two Scottish weekends and an English weekend covered over this stage of the tour and a lot of venues that we’ve never visited before, so we can’t wait!”
Ticket Links: https://linktr.ee/gnossgigtickets
