‘Rhymer’ Combines

Oftentimes, the topic of alien elves in song and stories is a distant fantasy, and one many of us have enjoyed over the years from films, books, and television. However, when one Scottish trio combines the fantastical tropes of these alien elves with the traditional Scottish art form of the ballad, a new unique genre is born.

Enter Rhymer, an up-and-coming Celtic band composed of vocalist Candace Campbell, guitarist Samme McVey, and drummer Annie Mclaughlin, who are currently blazing a trail of stardust throughout Scotland with their unique fusion of balladry and otherworldly elf-lore.

Rhymer’s debut album ‘The Wolf Of Our Fatherland’ captures their unique style. The album kicks off with ‘Elf of the Wind’ a powerful stomping number that merges modern Celtic rock with twilight imagery of elf king’s crowns. Other celestial tunes such as ‘Wood Between Us’ and ‘Wildfire from the Helm’ provide a great contrast to the more traditional folk-tinged ‘Four Sides’ and ‘Tower Of Stone’.

The album, although structured around the trope of fantastical creatures from faeries, elves, and giants, features more than just fantastical lyrics – Rhymer’s musical arrangements combine elements of traditional and modern music. Samme McVey’s guitar playing combines pickup rock riffs with finger-style country licks whilst Candace Campbell’s vocals soar over the top, recalling the vocal styles of Scotland’s iconic singers like Robert Burns and Nanci Griffith.

The message of Rhymer’s music is also one full of hope. All their songs, regardless of subject matter, feature lyrics that tell stories of moral courage in the face of opponents. On the energetic rocker ‘The Wolf Of Our Fatherland’ Campbell sings, “We can never outrun our roots/ No matter how far we may have gone/ We carry the fire and we carry the flame”. These lyrics hint at a resurgence of the spiritual connection between Scotland and its past – something the band feel passionate about.

This passionate connection between the past and the present is what makes Rhymer such a unique listening experience. It’s elfin fantasy combined with a modern sound and a great musical arrangement. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a magical night under the stars, and I for one am excited to see what else this band have in store.