On April 11, Scottish band TRIP released their latest album, “In Terra’s Keep.” The album consists of 10 songs. The band features Craig Baxter on bodhran, Michael Biggins on accordion, Isla Callister on fiddle, Tiernan Courell on flute and whistle, Rory Matheson on guitar and voice, and Alasdair Mackenzie on piano. This is the band’s second studio album.
The album was produced by Rory Matheson, recorded and mixed
by Stuart Hamilton at Castlesound Studios, and mastered by Nick Cooke at Nick Cooke
Mastering. Birnam CD manufactured the CD, and the album’s artwork was done by Vicky
Webb.
The band’s musical goal is to unite the Celtic music and
traditions of Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Mann. This album is a great culmination
of all of these places and does a great job of representing each region and
country. The band members each bring their unique voice, style, and culture to
the band, and this album showcases this perfectly.
“Terra” is the Latin word for “land,” and this album’s
inspiration is the landscapes of where the band members are from. The songs of
the album represent the unified sound of traditional Celtic music while also
celebrating the diversity of the places themselves. Each song does an excellent
job of expressing the connection of traditional Celtic music to the land and
landscapes of each Celtic nation.
The order of the songs alone tells a great story. While it
would have been cool to have “Hit the Road” as the last song on the album, it
is cool that the first and last songs have a similar traditional Celtic feel.
This helps feel like the album has come full circle.
The album has the perfect number of songs on it. While it
may seem weird to not want more songs, which may seem like it was not a good album,
this is not the case. It is an album that listeners will want to listen to, but
it has a clear and distinct beginning and end. The album leaves listeners
feeling fulfilled instead of craving more, which is a good thing. It is rare
for bands to strike this balance and have an album that feels so complete.
Overall, this album is perfect for those who love traditional
Celtic music and folk music. Fans of Mumford and Sons and Talisk especially will
find something they love. None of the songs on the album are explicit, so it is
appropriate for listeners of all ages.
1. The 50 Reels
2. Not A Cloud
3. Blessed Are The Meek (TRIP’s Version)
4. Octopus Circus
5. Pt. 1 Tune for Roan
6. Pt. 2 An Ghrian ar Bhinn Ghulbain
7. Sadness Passed
8. Sutherlands
9. Hit the Road
10. August Ascent 03:58
Related Articles:
-Album Review: "Idlewild" by Idlewild: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/02/album-review-idlewild-by-idlewild.html
-Album Review: "Moment in Time" by The Gothard Sisters: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/01/album-review-moment-in-time-by-gothard-sisters.html