Air Fàir an Là

The follow-up to Niteworks' critically acclaimed debut album NW is a beautifully produced and exciting album with some fresh and essential dance beats. For Air Fàir an Là the band have enlisted guests Julie Fowlis, Iain Morrison, SIAN and others. It's a rich mix of Gaelic talent and one that highlights a strong fusion of folk and electronica. A fine release, it's reminiscent of Martyn Bennett and Peatbog Faeries at their very best but with Niteworks' own idiosyncratic rhythms and voices.

The title-track utilises the words of 17th-century poet Mary Macleod, giving them a freshness and vibrancy by the singing of Gaelic voices SIAN. Iain Morrison provides some atmospheric vocals on ‘Like Wolves in the Night’ while Julie Fowlis brings her stunning voice to ‘Òran Fir Ghriminis’. The track ‘Calum Ruadh MacNeacail’ takes us into full dance territory with some pacy, sweaty synth and bass while ‘Highlander's Farewell’ makes rich use of the pipes to bring Air Fàir an Là to a stirring and evocative conclusion.

Niteworks' sympathetic and imaginative use of Gaelic language and song marks this album as an exhilarating release. Essential, invigorating and beguilingly beautiful: a must have.