Beginning life in Scotland in the latter half of 2012, Àrsaidh (which means “Ancient” and “Archaic” in Gàidhlig) is a one-man project dealing with themes of historical affection and deep love and pride in his home country. Àrsaidh’s debut is a fascinating look at the ways in which myth and honour and sacrifice have been long forgotten by many, and A. delves into traditional concepts such as pride and celebration for ones homeland via wonderfully rousing atmospheric tones. Roots is a grand and sweeping gesture and truly a declaration of A.’s strong connection to his own past and is full of wonder and veneration for days past.
“Roots” opens up on expansive tracts of synth instructed choral lines, the guitar touching slightly on the martial tones of the drum kit and an entire landscape opens up before you. If pictures can paint a thousand words then the first minutes of “Roots” will conjure images of rolling highlands, untouched fields, crystal clear rives and a dense, vast beauty washes over all. A’s voice bursts into life and takes the song to new heights of strength. Gorgeous waves of sound wash over his words of respect and the booming vocal style here (along with some nice touches of harmony towards the end) complements the otherwise sublime nature of the music, giving the song two distinct and opposing channels. One celebrating heritage, and the other mourning the loss of such legacies.
“Carved in Stone” flows with shimmering guitar work and a slightly hidden vocal that hints at the sorrow beneath before leading into a delightfully sparse section that rolls in tribal strikes on a drum. Such tranquility is not built to last though, and a sudden break into tight and fast beats takes the song on to new paths of anguish calling to mind bands such as Drudkh, Alda, Skagos and Winterfylleth – groups which also dive into legend and history whilst wrapping their sound in soaring elegance and and anger that lies on the surface like a scar on the landscape.
Roots closes on the altogether more fury-laden “A Highland Lament.” The pace and feeling surrounding this final track is somewhat more bereft than the previous songs and A’s vocal takes on more presence, his rough approach to the words lending them a significant majesty. There’s no high pitched shrieking here, or anywhere else on Roots and the style is a little more shouted than screamed, but it’s delivered with a terrific conviction and Àrsaidh’s passion is wholly evident. As “A Highland Lament” draws to its conclusion in climbing guitar riffs and ever galloping drum beats, Roots comes to an end in a flurry of sound, sadness and forlorn grace. Completely enthralling.
Roots will be released via Darker Than Black Records sometime in May or June. In the meantime, check out “Roots” below, and keep an eye on the Àrsaidh facebook page for updates on the album as a whole.
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