Clanadonia CD Review

There's nothing more inexcusable than seeing a reviewer struggling to deal with a genre they know nothing about. So, when I returned to the Bristol Rocks office after the Christmas break to find an album by Clanadonia waiting for me in my burgeoning in-tray, I knew I had some learning to do.

Clanadonia are leading exponents of traditional Celtic folk with an emphasis on tribal percussion. Although the band’s musical roots have been passed down from their ancestors, this Glaswegian five piece have been cited as something more than ‘just another Scottish pipes and drums band’.

Once their thunderous percussion kicks in, traditional works are given a dynamic new edge with pipes being underpinned by resounding thunderous rhythms. As well as delivering a fresh take on traditional tunes, Clanadonia also boast their own anthemic compositions, tribal rhythms flavoured with occasional vocals which are both rich and enchanting. 

Fronted by vocalist and drummer Tu-Bardh Wilson, an old friend of the team here at Bristol Rocks, Clanadonia’s 10 track eponymously titled album is mostly instrumental with the odd vocal track punctuating the track listing for good measure. 

Capturing the fun and vibrancy of Scotland’s heritage, Clanadonia have taken their ‘celtic experience’ to many corners of the globe as part of cultural exchanges, trips that have so far, taken them as far a field as Singapore. 

Clanadonia’s music would, no doubt, sound breathtaking experienced in a 'communal' situation. I seriously recommend you check out their video footage on YouTube to understand what I mean. The band’s rousing live footage has been shot whilst busking in what looks like Edinburgh's Royal Mile (forgive me if I’ve got the location wrong guys), and the result is truly compelling. The troop’s pounding rhythms and rousing chants connect with an audience in a way that even the most interactive of bands would struggle to compete with. Watching their rousing live performance of ‘Hamsterheid’ on the constricted confines of my computer screen simply made me want to be there amongst the crowd, savouring the Caledonian chill and smelling the sweet fragrance of heather. 

It’s always a thrill to delve into a field of music you previously knew nothing about, and if Clanadonia’s rousing rhythms are anything to go by, then boy, I can’t wait for my next visit north of the border. Fantastic stuff guys!