Built upon the legacy of Scottish musicians past, Charlie Grey and Joseph Peach's forthcoming album, Spiorachas – A High Place, unearths and builds upon Gaelic melodies old and new. Here they take on a tune entitled 'A Choille Ghruamach', written by John MacLean upon his arrival in Nova Scotia in 1819. MacLean emigrated from Scotland seeking a new life, but as his original song tells, found himself confronted by the physical and psychological hardship of starting anew, thousands of miles from home. 

"The song's title translates as 'The Gloomy Forest'. The melody – bleak, desperately beautiful – is a masterpiece and a true favourite of ours," explain Grey and Peach. "This track is what our new album is all about – interpreting and reimagining these amazing old melodies. We shot the video earlier this summer, live on location at Summerhall in Edinburgh. It is an amazing spot. Formerly a veterinary school, now something of a cultural village, home to a host of venues and artist studios. We filmed in the Demonstration Room, which as the name suggests, was used in a previous life used for anatomy demonstrations with veterinary students. Set in the oldest part of Summerhall, it is a stark and raw space, which felt deeply fitting for this track."

"The video was directed and edited by the brilliant Peter Dibdin, with Ian Dodds on handheld camera. They've done an amazing job in capturing the energy of the music." 

Spiorachas – A High Place will be reviewed in the December issue of Songlines. Never miss an issue – subscribe today