Terra Firma
(ONCE BITTEN RECORDS) www.wolfstone.co.uk
Scottish Celtic-rockers Wolfstone are back with a new album and new line-up. Says founder member Duncan Chisholm, “… we are a rock band from the Highlands of Scotland that happens to use pipes, whistles and pipes in our repertoire”. The band have taken their living, breathing and roaring version of the evolving folk tradition another step further, this time round largely eschewing the classic folk-rock stylings of yore, substituting a sharper, harder and more focused contemporary rock edge and helping them produce arguably their most commercial album to date.
New frontman, songwriter and producer Ross Hamilton, plus new back line – drummer Alyn Cosker and Colin Cunningham on bass – have injected youthful energy and drive to their sound. With songs like the searing guitar-and-rhythm-fired ‘Break Yer Bass Drone Again’ followed by the assured rock riffing of ‘These Are The Days’, this is clearly a band on a mission … to build on past glories and construct a new, grander and far more ambitious sound.
Which isn’t to say they could ever turn their backs on their traditional music roots, as their environment, background and love of the music is simply too strong. Consequently a full-blown aural assault is followed by a sweeping, atmospheric air, ‘The Bloody Bouzouki’, before moving off into a rip-roaring, barely restrained reading of Charlie McKerron’s ‘Paella Grande’.
Into this mix they throw the hugely impressive slice of grandiose pop-rock that is ‘Put Me Together’ and yet, to their credit, it sounds neither out of place nor pompous, instead suggesting an imagination and desire to continue to push themselves musically and the boundaries of expectation from their audiences. ‘By The Wayside’ gives another indication of their songwriting versatility and diversity of approach within the new line-up. Composed by drummer Alyn Cosker, the catchy, country-flavoured rocker is as commercial a track as any the new line-up have produced.
Attacking everything they do with a new found vigour and verve, the Stevie Saint pipe tune ‘3 am In Edradour’ that segues into closer ‘The List’ perfectly sums up their attitude – hard, heavy, no-nonsense rockin‘ ‘n’ reelin’.
Wolfstone’s success can undoubtedly be attributed to their ability to transfer their highly acclaimed recorded material to the most fantastic and unforgettable live performances. This ability has seen the band headline major festivals throughout the world. “ They are a headline act from heaven. They entertain and put smiles on faces of all ages without fail. Just an exceptional talent” - Pat Garrett, RGM, USA
Describing Wolfstone’s music has always caused debate, but is best described by the man who founded it all, Duncan Chisholm “At the end of the day we are a rock band from the Highlands of Scotland that happen to use pipes, whistles and fiddles in our repertoire”
This description probably underlies Wolfstone’s success in attracting a large and loyal following from fans of all genres, be it Rock, Celtic Rock, Folk Rock, World Music etc. The unique blend of guitars, fiddle, pipes and pulsating percussion; all combined with a dynamic stage presence; are all well-known hallmarks of this unique and exciting band.
Wolfstone have sold hundreds of thousands of albums over the last few years including two gold albums, and their new creation “terra firma” is tipped up to be their best yet.
Wolfstone is quite simply a band that believes in the strength and spirit of their music, a band that consistently proves that its music can sell to all ages and cultures around the world and most importantly, a band that can perform ‘live’ on stage, exactly what you hear on their Albums.
The long trip from León was worth it, we enjoyed a lot :D You guys are simply fantastic. Thank you for your patience with the fans :)
I will try to load my review and pictures and videos tomorrow (I think I did some good photo ... in spite of the brilliant cap of Mr. Eaglesham... very discreet LOL)
Just stopping by to wish you good luck with your upcoming Spanish gigs guys; treat them as warm up for Pitlochry in July:-) Can't wait, it's been way too long...
Remember, life vests are under your seats (as long as you're no flying with Ryanair, in which case they're...who knows...? LOL)
Hi . We will be releasing a 10 track pastoral psych folk CD entitled 'midsummers' on 24th June 2009. midsummers is currently available to buy from our website www.millersounds.co.uk . You can hear some tracks from midsummers on our myspace player. Best wishes, The Rowan Amber Mill.
yeow, really really enjoyed the music , thanks so much for the add request....I'd like to think that you may also enjoy my verse in my comments and Blog.....Michael Miller
Samples from my debut album 'While The World Was Dreaming' along with music video and links to the site of my online enchanted forest can all be found there!!
I've been hidden away at work on it all which is why this profile you added me on became so quiet!
I'm back now so click the link and listen into the world of Urban Joe!
many thanks for the add ! I' ve discovered your sound during an amazing trip in Scotland and i still don' t know which one was the best, music or country ? i wish to come to see you this summer at Pitlochcry !
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Online Now!
