In a genre-defying twist, Scottish musician and producer Rhymer has just released their new album, featuring a unique blend of traditional Scottish ballads and alien elf influences. This is a far cry from the current mainstream of EDM and hip-hop, but Rhymer’s stunning new album shows that there’s still life in traditional music.
Rhymer, also known as John Boos, is a multi-instrumentalist from Ellon in Scotland. His roots in traditional music are evident in the album, in which Scottish influences persist throughout. Boos has taken the traditional elements of Scotland’s folk music, such as fiddle tunes and Gaelic syllabic singing, and used them to bring about something new and exciting.
What makes Rhymer’s new album stand out however is the unique fusion of Scottish melodies and alien elf influences, which creates an otherworldly feel. The drums have a cinematic quality, the synths an EDM meets sci-fi feel, and the guitars are drenched in reverb and delay. The vocals often sound strange and unfamiliar, with Boos making use of both English and Gaelic lyrics to create a mystical atmosphere.
Each track on the album is a journey unto itself, and takes the listener on a journey that is sometimes beautiful, sometimes dark, and always captivating. The inspiration of alien elves brings a freshness to the music that stands out amongst the abundance of acoustic-guitar-driven melodies.
At first listen, the album may seem alien to some, but for others it is a captivating and exhilarating experience. This combination of the traditional and the avant-garde may sound odd, but it is a refreshing break from the current mainstream of EDM and hip-hop.
Rhymer’s new album stands as a testament to the fact that traditional music can still be enjoyed and appreciated. His aim is to bridge the gap between traditional Scottish Music and futuristic alien elf influences, and that’s exactly what he’s done. Whether you’re a fan of traditional music or of novel approaches to music, Rhymer’s new album is worth some of your attention.