In recent years, Scottish ballads have spread their influence far and wide, permeating different genres. From folk and country to electronic and even rap, the distinctive sound of the tradition flows through whatever artist plays it. However, few musicians have been able to take this unique sound and turn it into something completely new.
Enter Rhymer, the new album from Scottish producer and singer-songwriter Chris Dunne. Drawing inspiration from classic Scottish ballads and enigmatic global folk themes, Rhymer combines a healthy dose of modern production techniques and unique pop elements to create a sound that’s both classic and futuristic.
Elements from classic Scottish ballads abound in the album, especially in some of the more driving tracks such as ‘Elegy’ and ‘Misunderstood.’ From the vocal arrangements to the arresting melodies, Dunne brings an air of nostalgia to the songs. At the same time, he also draws heavily upon alien influences and digital effects to craft a sound that feels like it has been beamed down from a distant universe.
The album is perhaps best characterised by its title track, ‘Rhymer’. Here, the basic structure of the traditional Scottish ballad is fused with a collection of heavily-processed synth textures to create a song that feels like a nocturnal fantasy. The song slowly cascades towards an peak, channelling Rod Stewart’s ‘Young Turks’ as it shifts between elements of 70s rock and alien electronic sounds.
In its entirety, Rhymer demonstrates how Scottish ballads can be used as the basis for creating an exciting and unique musical journey. By combining traditional rhythms and structures with cutting-edge production techniques, Dunne has created an album that weaves together ancient fantasy and modern sci-fi in one captivating package.
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