The purest of Scottish ballads have now been blended with modern electronic music and a deliciously dark mythology of alien elves, all thanks to the studio album from experimental-music artist Rhymer.
Those familiar with the long history of ballad-style songs from Scotland and their deep-rooted traditional music will no doubt feel nostalgia when they hear the enchanting adjustments Rhymer makes to the genre. Yet, at the same time, listeners can’t help but feel a certain degree of wanderlust when they hear the new wave of soundscapes coming off of the record.
Rhymer’s sound melds the old and new in ways unheard before, with a tapestry of deep drones and uplifting melodies layered over fragments of traditional ballads, all glued together with a slowly unfolding story of alien elves. This particular theme was created by Rhymer to contrast against the warm tones of the music and add a layer of mystery and intrigue to her production. The whole combination truly draws you in, making it hard to resist the temptation of releasing yourself into the odd but captivating landscape of Rhymer’s album.
In a time where traditional music is often replaced with synthetic, overly produced sounds, Rhymer is a breath of fresh air which brings back the old-fashioned aesthetics and raw emotionality in a dynamic, modern way. From the hauntingly beautiful balladry of the first track to the ethereal combinations of synth and guitar which underpin the later tracks, Rhymer has crafted a stunningly unique album which will transport listeners to a world of ancient lore, modern fascination and interstellar exploration.