A’ Ghrian

The mighty Niteworks return with A’ Ghrian, their third album and one which marks a confident stride in their sound. A’ Ghrian, meaning ‘The Sun’, symbolises a new dawn for the folk-electronica band as they incorporate English folk and Scots songs into their repertoire for the first time. Gaelic compositions are here too of course, but A’ Ghrian marks the developing confidence of themselves as a band as they embrace new influences.

With a self-proclaimed cinematic electronica sound, the album is expansive and intimate at the same time. Single ‘Gura Mise Tha Fo Èislein’ opens with a dance-inspired synth but sees the band in familiar Gaelic territory, with a song accompanied by the soulful vocals of Ellen MacDonald, while ‘John Riley’, featuring the vocals of Beth Malcolm, is a trippy, hypnotic interpretation of the English folk song. Kathleen MacInnes features on the final track, which also provides the album with its title. It’s a raw, thoroughly atmospheric conclusion to a fascinating listen. A’ Ghrian continues Nitework’s exciting journey, with a sound that is cinematic, orchestral and intimate in equal measure. The synth heavy sound and club culture vibe of the band may not be traditional, but it works. A stimulating, transfixing release.