Gnoss

Gnoss are young Orcadians Graham Rorie (fiddle and mandolin) and Aidan Moodie (guitar and vocals), and this is a confident debut. It's a strong mix of originals with some confident nods to a few traditional classics. The boys managed to enlist the talents of Gregor Kincaid on bodhrán and Connor Sinclair on whistle.

Opening track ‘Crantit Park’ is a playful tune by Moodie that swiftly merges into a jaunty version of ‘Michael Coleman's Jig’. Old favourite ‘Black is the Colour’ lacks something of the passion of previous versions, with an almost swing vibe to its delivery, while ‘The Den’ is a set of fetching tunes by the duo. ‘Bonnie Glenshee’ is a tender cover, delivered with some sweet vocals by Moodie. Final tracks, ‘Waterbound’ and ‘The Curse of the Deutans’, start off with a nice bit of Caledonian bluegrass before concluding with a fiery set of tunes by the boys themselves.

Gnoss is a fine selection of tunes and songs by an exciting young duo – a promising and engaging debut. These boys are ones to watch.