On August 1, 2025, Scottish band Mànran released their latest album, “To The Wind.” It was recorded, mixed, and produced by Ross Hamilton and mastered by Kevin Grainger at Wired Masters. There are nine tracks on the album, concluding with bonus track “Wild Mountain Thyme.” The band is made up of members Gary Innes, Mark Scobbie, Ewen Henderson, Ryan Murphy, Marcus Cordock, Kim Carnie, and Aidan Moodie.
On the album, the band seamlessly blends traditional
Scottish instruments and sounds with modern vibes. The album features a mix of
instrumental tracks and songs with vocals and lyrics. Some songs are heavier on
the traditional Scottish sound, while others sound more modern. This is a telltale
sign of the band’s talent that they have honed over the years. There is
something for everyone on this album.
While many of the vocal songs are in English, several others
are in Scottish Gaelic. A band releasing its own music written in Scottish
Gaelic is crucial for the preservation and survival of the language. The songs
in Gaelic are perfect for those wanting to test their language skills or simply
appreciate the language.
Part of the melody for “Mire” may remind listeners of “Reconciliation
Reel.” Hearing this familiar tune with Scottish Gaelic lyrics is pretty cool!
The tune is an Irish song, so hearing the crossover with lyrics in their own style
is awesome to listen to.
The mixing on the album is fairly well done. While there are
some songs where the lyrics get a bit overpowered by the instrumentals, these
moments are few and far between. On a few of the instrumental tracks, the
instruments sound a bit muddy, which may be a style choice.
Overall, this album is perfect for those who love
traditional Celtic music, especially Scottish music. Those who love more modern
sounds will also find something for them on the album. None of the songs on the
album are labeled as explicit, making it a great album to have on with guests
over or just a casual night in. There is truly something for everyone to love on
the album.
Track List:
1. Standing Still
2. Woah
3. Downpour
4. Gaol 's Gaire
5. Something That I Said
6. Mire
7. Annie
8. See What You Hear
9. The Big Yin
10/ Wild Mountain Thyme
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