Stretching Skyward

Gnoss (like Talisk, Eriska and TRIP) are part of Glasgow's lively music scene, though the band originated in Scotland's Northern Isles. This is the quartet's third album and shows their sound evolving, with a collection of compositions clustered around the theme of change.

The album's opening track – the infectious ‘Stroma’, (written by the band's flutes and whistles player, Connor Sinclair) – is one of six instrumentals on Stretching Skyward, alongside five featuring vocals.

Singer/guitarist Aidan Moodie is Gnoss’ main songwriter. With a talent for affecting lyrics and hooks, Moodie's songs often draw on unusual inspirational sources such as Orkney's Viking connections (‘Hamnavoe’) and Scotland's travelling people (‘Honey Wine’).

The Scottish folk scene is evidently a mutually-supportive community with Braebach's James Lindsay joining Gnoss on bass here, while Skerryvore's Scott Wood is the album's producer. The occasional use of synth-strings comes across as a little dated in places but, generally, the conscious leaning towards more pop-inflected arrangements and production is successful, the shimmering electric guitars adding atmosphere. With its thoughtful blending of original songs and tunes, Stretching Skyward sees Gnoss broadening their horizons.