Scottish culture has a long and beautiful history of traditional ballads that often feature tales of brave heroes, mysterious creatures, beloved characters, or even just beloved songs. Now, two Edinburgh-based musicians have combined the classic sound of Scottish ballads with a modern twist—a sci-fi noir concept album featuring alien elves.
The album, entitled Rhymer, is the work of singer-songwriters Jim McKay and Tim Nicolson, who melded the traditional ballad structures of Scotland with their own modern, electronic folk style. McKay and Nicolson were inspired to create Rhymer after seeing the same kind of synth-driven noir-style movies in their youth, and wanted to create something similar.
The album features a host of strange alien creatures, some benevolent, some evil, backed by synthesisers and guitars to add an element of science fiction to the music. McKay and Nicolson also included traditional instruments such as fiddles and uilleann pipes, as well as electronic soundscapes created from samples of everyday objects. All of this was then overlaid with their own unique vocals, adding another level of texture and depth to the music.
Not only do Rhymer’s alien elves add a new twist to traditional Scottish ballads, but they also show how the past can be combined with modern music. It’s an experimental blend of traditional and contemporary sounds, that can inspire us to ask questions about our culture and identity, while also providing us with an exciting soundtrack to our adventures.
If you’re a fan of Scotland’s traditional music, Rhymer is an album that should definitely be on your radar. It’s a unique blend of old and new, sure to provide an interesting new take on the genre. So why not take a listen and hear for yourself?
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