Tuneship

Daimh have long been regarded as one of the most exciting Gaelic bands on the live scene. Tuneship sees the boys develop and broaden their musical influences while simultaneously remaining true to their Lochaber roots. New additions Damian Helliwell on mandolin and banjo and Griogair Labhruidh on pipes and vocals have reinvigorated the band. However, Gabe McVarish’s fiddle and Angus MacKenzie’s pipes and whistles are still the focus and the band’s driving passion for native Gaelic tunes is still plain to hear.

Opening with the sprightly ‘Raasay’, Tuneship is an energetic and fiery blend of new tracks and sensitive renditions of old songs from this Gaelic super¬group. On the traditional waulking (cloth-working) song ‘Siud Agaibh an Deoch a dh’Qlainn’, Labhruidh’s vocals provide a passionate and rugged air, complemented by the Clachnabrochan Gaelic Choir on backing vocals. Labhruidh provides vocals again on ‘Mo Ghleannan Taobh Loch Liobhann’, an emotive traditional ballad by Ballachulish poet Sandaidh MacFhraing. ‘Bottle for Brigg’, on the other hand, provides sweet reflection, while ‘Banjo’s Favourite’ closes with a rousing banjo and pipes duet guaranteed to get the toes tapping. An exhilarating and accomplished piece of Scottish tunes and song.