Get ready for a sonic storm that will leave you breathless! Wild Gods, the brainchild of Scottish artist Jamie Livingstone, is set to electrify audiences with its bold fusion of ancient Gaelic traditions and contemporary post-rock sounds. Released on July 24th, this game-changing album draws inspiration from the haunting Hebridean waulking songs, those communal anthems sung by women as they processed tweed, alongside traditional Gaelic laments and Celtic ceremonial music. Livingstone's unique collaboration with electronic producer Barry Can't Swim has yielded a collection of eight tracks that will leave you mesmerised – a true intersection of post-rock and folk-rock genres.
The album kicks off with 'Keening', a pulsating track that sets the tone with its deep rumble, accordion drone, and poignant Gaelic lament for the deceased. This is followed by the epic ten-minute odyssey 'Carlene's Pin', which marries the soaring vocals of Susannah Stark with the raw intensity of Bad Seeds-esque guitars, folk fiddle, and a bassline that will leave you gasping – think Godspeed You! Black Emperor at their most intense. Another highlight, 'Rest and Be Thankful', named after both a classic Scottish reel and a legendary A83 viewpoint, builds from tender ballad to joyful folk dance in an unforgettable crescendo.
But what makes Wild Gods truly remarkable is its depth – Livingstone's inspirations go far beyond traditional music. 'Ortha', for example, draws on the transformative power of ayahuasca, while his involvement with Glasgow-based arts organisation Vox Liminis adds a poignant layer of meaning to the project. This is no mere exploration of the past; it's a powerful journey of healing and regeneration.
The album reaches its climax with 'Aye Right', an intricate tapestry of fingerpicked guitar and congregational psalm singing that will transport you to another world. From the exquisite fiddling in 'Hilma of Klint' – named after the pioneering Swedish mystic and abstract painter – to its rousing finale, Wild Gods delivers a mercurial yet profoundly regenerative musical journey that will leave you on your feet, begging for more.