Home / Arts and Entertainment / Gaelic Laments Meet Post-Rock: A Sonic Alchemy
Gaelic Laments Meet Post-Rock: A Sonic Alchemy
10 Jul
Summary
- Wild Gods project blends Gaelic laments with post-rock influences.
- Inspired by traditional Hebridean waulking songs for softening tweed.
- Music serves as a vehicle for healing and regenerative power.
The new project Wild Gods by Jamie Livingstone offers a fascinating blend of folk and post-rock influences, drawing inspiration from traditional Hebridean waulking songs. These communal songs, historically sung by women while softening tweed, are reimagined with Gaelic archival recordings and Celtic ceremonial music.
The eight-track release, "Wild Gods," demonstrates an intriguing proximity between post-rock and folk-rock. Tracks like "Carlene's Pin" combine Gaelic vocals with rock guitars and folk fiddle, while "Rest and Be Thankful" evolves from a ballad to a joyous folk dance. "Ortha" reflects inspirations from ayahuasca experiences, adding a transformative element.
Rooted in Livingstone's work with Glasgow's Vox Liminis, supporting individuals with criminal justice experience, the music delves into the past as a means of healing. This regenerative power is evident in tracks like "Hilma of Klint" and the finale, "Aye Right," which features fingerpicked guitar and psalm singing.
Released on July 24, "Wild Gods" arrives alongside other notable music. Sam Carter's "Sam Carter Sings Nic Jones" is a live tribute to the guitarist, while Tercet Imperial's "Prymat" reimagines Polish dances with synthesizers. Martin Carthy's "Along the Road Forever: Live at the BBC" offers an extensive collection of his performances.
