HEISK

This is what led these six Scottish musicians to come together under the name Heisk. Although based in Glasgow, they come from all over Scotland. After several years of gigging, they were keen to record an album that would showcase the party atmosphere reflected in their music. And right down to the producer, photographer and sound engineers, this is girl power at its finest.

This funky folk band consists of Becca Skeoch on electric harp, Catriona Hawksworth on keyboards, Lauren MacDonald on percussion, Megan MacDonald on accordion, Rosie Munro and Sally Simpson on fiddles. They claim to be part traditional, part pop, part soul and part funk, and their music is a joyful blend of these diverse influences. The track Andina is an excellent example of this.

The hostilities begin with Kayak, a lively track on which the accordion and fiddle lead the way against a background of percussion. The second track Grethy, the wind in the Shetlands, blows in gusts on the different scores of each instrument. On Faces, the two fiddles snort while the harp and keyboards add nuances that go beyond tradition. On Fløteren, composed by Norwegian musician Annbjørg Lien, a delicate Scandinavian flavour emerges.

The result is energetic, vibrant music that will make you tap your feet compulsively. Original and breathtaking. In Orkney Gaelic, Heisk means nervous, agitated. Quite a program.

Autoproduit HEISK01 - www.heisk.co.uk