On March 6, 2025, Scottish band Red Hot Chilli Pipers released their latest album, “Back To Roots.” It was originally available at their merch stand or on their website, but it is now available on streaming platforms.
The album celebrates the band’s nearly 25 years of performing. Like other albums by the band, it combines traditional bagpipe music with rock covers and medleys. It pays homage to how far they have come and steps into their bold future.
The album was produced independently to stay true to their
foundations. It features Willie Armstrong on bagpipes, Ross Miller on bagpipes,
Andrew Brodlie on bagpipes, alongside Kevin MacDonald on pipes, Dean Mollon on pipes
and vocals, Malcolm McEwan on drums, and Steven Richmond on guitar and bass.
The mixing on the album is well done. When there are vocals,
the vocals are still easy to hear and understand. This is a challenge for any band,
but especially of a band that are primarily bagpipes. The album sounds like you
are sitting in a theater or stadium listening to them perform live. It captures
their energy and passion in each song.
“Hey Brother” is a song that was done on tour. When I saw
them in September, there was a female singer who did this song so well. The
male singer on the album also does a great job of capturing the essence of the
song. It is a powerful song, and it was the song the ultimately made me fall in
love with the band.
Those who are long-time fans of the band will recognize “Rip
the Calico” as “Urban” from the band’s “Octane” album. It is cool to hear an
updated version of the song and be able to compare it to a new lineup. The
pipes on this album sound fuller, like they have a deeper sound to them. This
could have to do with the production and mixing.
Overall, this album is the perfect album for Red Hot Chilli
Pipers fans, whether they are new fans or have been following the band since
the beginning. It captures the energy and essence of the band’s live shows and
puts it into album form. While this is not usually something I enjoy, it is
done really well here. I had the honor of seeing them live, and this album is
like being there all over again in the best way.
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