Albannach

Scottish to the bones, Albannach is a tribal pipe and drum band from Scotland that is all about translating their home country’s ancient and unique culture and history through the music they play.

To experience a live concert by Albannach is a life changing event that will have you addicted to their unique musical style and energy that transcends generations of Scots. Crowds just can't get enough of each and every member as they work hard at building the beat which explodes into a pipe and drum fest that is very hard to describe in words alone.

Just take a look at the crowds and you will see young and old just itching to get near the stage to experience the full onslaught of the best Scottish tribal to come out of Scotland. Kids will be screaming and dancing, taking pictures while old men in kilts suddenly start breaking into the Highland Fling joined by women half their age. It is a site that warms the heart knowing that the Scottish heritage and culture has survived all of these years. From families that left Scotland generations ago to make a new life in America, are rejoined once again by the bonds of the Highland Games that transcends history and makes us one again with our ancestors - brought together by the music of Albannach - it truly is something to be experienced.

The great thing about Albannach is that they realize that most authentic Scottish folk music experience is not only about the sounds, but it is a true matter of attitude and, to put it in the right terms…”folklore”. The performance, in this particular context, is as important as the attitude of the performers, and Albannach seems to understand this premises really well, because their studio records and live shows almost have a theatrical quality to it.

Music is used to express a bond, to share the heritage of an ancient and still mysterious culture; but no matter how inscrutable the mystery might seem: we can all feel a connection deep within. That steady beat, those lead lines and melodies speak to us the same way they spoke to those who played end enjoyed this music so many centuries ago.

The “Pipes and Drums” format are absolutely perfect to translate this attitude, because the sound of the band is so visceral and honest. Primal rhythm and melodies that are full of life and energy in a way that is so hard to describe with words.

Their album “Bareknuckle Pipes & Drums” is an extraordinary work that does a great job capturing the essence of Albannach. The pipe is a truly unique instrument that turns a simple melodic line into something huge and solemn, a transcendental sound that carries so much vibe and history. The main lead notes are always accompanied by drones that make it all so deep and spiritual, not unlike the music of an Indian Sitar, obviously with very different cultural and historical settings. The rhythmic session is what truly makes the album come alive: the production is really direct and clean, allowing the natural sound and feel of these performance to shine for what they are: no extremely present studio trickery, just the warmth of a human performance captured faithfully.
Shakers and various drums add different textures, pitch colorations and grooves, making for an articulated and steady rhythm session. The album flows away, track by track, and listening to it without any interruption is almost aching to a spiritual experience.

Do yourself a favor as you plan your bucket list and add Albannach to the list to purchase their CD and experience them at one of the many concerts across America. Five stars from Celtic Radio!

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Browse our library of Albannach music:

Albannach	Bareknuckle Pipes and Drums	Eye Of The Storm	Runs In The Blood	The Mighty Nach LIVE	The Sub-Zero Sessions EP