Wild Gods, a new project from Argyll's Jamie Livingstone, releases their debut album The Glorious Abysmal on 24 July, a fascinating fusion of Hebridean waulking songs, Gaelic laments, and psychedelic influences that reveals the proximity of post-rock and folk-rock.
Inspired by Hebridean waulking songs
The album opens with Keening, featuring a thick, distant rumble, metallic accordion drone, and a woman singing a traditional Gaelic lament for the dead. Livingstone drew inspiration from the waulking songs of the Hebrides—communal songs traditionally sung by women as they beat and softened tweed before mechanisation. Gaelic archival recordings and melodies rooted in Celtic ceremonial music also inform the eight tracks.
Post-rock and folk-rock fusion
The 10-minute Carlene's Pin marries Susannah Stark's Gaelic vocals to clanging Bad Seeds guitars, folk fiddle, and a bassline reminiscent of Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Rest and Be Thankful, named after a classic Scottish reel and a notorious A83 viewpoint, builds as a tender ballad before erupting into joyous folk dance, followed by a shimmering interlude. Ortha, named after a Celtic incantation, reflects Livingstone's transformative ayahuasca experience.
Healing through music
The project has roots in Livingstone's work with Vox Liminis, a Glasgow arts organisation supporting people with experience of the criminal justice system. This context adds depth: the music mines the past while serving as a vehicle for healing. From the exquisite fiddling in Hilma of Klint—named after the Swedish mystic painter—to the finale Aye Right, which blends fingerpicked guitar with samples of congregational psalm singing, the album is mercurial yet heavy with regenerative power.
Also out this month
Sam Carter's Sings Nic Jones (Captain Records) is a live tribute to the Kent-born guitarist, featuring a lovely take on Jones's arrangement of the 19th-century ballad Canadee-i-o. Polish trio Tercet Imperial's debut Prymat (Instant Classic) reimagines traditional oberek and mazurka dances with synthesisers and eight-bit electronics. Martin Carthy's Along the Road Forever: Live at the BBC compiles nearly 23 hours of music by the English folk pioneer, including 237 unique repertoire performances.
