Ùrar

Hard to believe the band that is the mighty Mànran is 11 years old, and with Ùrar, their fourth studio album, a sense of familiarity could have slowly crept in. No such fear here for the much-loved trad-rock troupe though who have characteristically reinvented themselves with the addition of two new members. The core of Mànran’s appeal – the blend of Gaelic tradition with some rock and pop sounds – remains at the band’s heart, but now with Kim Carnie on vocals and Aidan Moodie on guitar the band finds their spirits reinvigorated. This is reflected in the album’s title; Ùrar, an apt choice, meaning ‘Fresh’ or ‘Flourishing’ in Gaelic.

‘Ailean’ opens the album, a pounding, confident drum beat layered with Carnie’s sweet vocals. Single ‘Crow Flies’ is certainly one of the highlights, a sweet little tune delivered in Carnie’s inimitably elegant voice, while ‘Black Tower’ sees the band explode with a fiery rock-infused pipe tune, which will satisfy Mànran’s long standing fans. Ùrar closes with the traditional lament ‘Griogal Crìdhe’, an evocatively gorgeous conclusion to a surprisingly fresh album. Mànran may be hitting their second decade, but there is clearly much life in the band yet.