The forthcoming second album, Things That Vanish, contains nine tracks inspired by the seabird life of St Kilda, where the primary recording was completed in May 2024. All the instruments and recording gear had to be carried over the 50 mile crossing on a small boat.
The album combines acoustic instruments with a variety of sampled sounds recorded on Hirta, from a bowed naval gun to the sound of the waves in Village Bay. Other drones were generated from the acoustic spectra of seabird bones and rocks, obtained using the technique of X-ray diffraction.
The title, from the poem “Huia” by Bill Manhire, reflects two things: the vanished way of life of the people of Hirta, who developed unique techniques to survive on the rich seabird life of the islands, and the danger faced by these seabirds today. Though the cliffs still appear to be teeming with life, climate change, bird flu, and food shortages mean that there are far fewer birds than there would be in a healthy ecosystem. The most recent seabird census on St Kilda revealed huge declines in species such as guillemots, kittiwakes, and great skua. Even fulmars, which were historically vital to the St Kildan population, were down by 69% over 20 years.
Cliffs was released on 29.8.20, the 90th anniversary of the evacuation of St Kilda.
It contains five contemporary reinterpretations of traditional St Kildan folk songs alongside three modern compositions related to the island.
“a towering achievement” (The Living Tradition)
“amazing…atmospheric…an absolute masterpiece” (Mike Harding no.285)
“a very special thing” (Cerys Matthews)
“…defies any simple description…richly textured…subtly layered” (Folk Radio)
“It’s going to consume you, in the very best way.
It’s a gorgeously different kind of folk album” (Roots World)
“a superb progressive folk album that masterfully combines acoustic Scottish folk music, trance-like performances, hypnotic drones and electronic ambience” (World Music Central)