Trail West release their fifth long-player, Thirsty Work, a month before their biggest headline gig at the O2 Academy in Glasgow. Showcasing their growth as a band, this 10-song album is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans leading up to the show.
Formed on the Isle of Tiree in 2008, Trail West originally consisted of four members. However, after years in the industry and developing their sound, the band made two new additions in 2018. Now known as a six-piece Scottish trad band, members include Alain Campbell who plays guitar, Allan Nairn on electric guitar, Andrew Findlater on drums, Ian Smith on the accordion, Jonathan Gillespie on keyboard, and lead singer Seonaidh MacIntyre.
The first song on the album was one of their leading singles in the run-up to its release. ‘Ar Cànan ‘s ar Ceòl’ (translated to ‘Our Language and Our Music’) is a lively and upbeat introduction to the album. Described as a song for islanders about homesickness and how much the Gàidhlig language and music shapes who they are, it’s a great way to start the album and introduce the audience to their latest work.
After touring around Scotland and England earlier this year, the band have been performing at many festivals throughout the summer in the lead-up to the album release, including Belladrum, The Gathering, The Reeling, EDF, and more. With a busy schedule ahead, the band are also set to perform in Campbeltown, Oban, and Inverness, along with their highly anticipated performance in Glasgow in September.
‘Peggy, My Love’ is a slower, heartfelt song where we hear the voice of Eilidh Cormack join MacIntyre to harmonize in the final chorus. Cormack, a member of the Scottish trad music group Sian, brings a lighter and angelic sound to the song, especially with the layered harmonies.
‘Only Gonna Break My Heart’ another single released in the lead-up to the album launch, is a big hit with the band’s audience. With over 21,000 streams online, the band merges Scottish trad music with modern pop to create a sound that encapsulates what the audience will hear throughout the album. Speaking of homesickness and missing something in your life from the start of the album, the band carries on this message through their upbeat and lively songs.
As Trail West gears up for their highly anticipated performance at the O2 Academy in Glasgow in September, ‘Thirsty Work’ serves as a testament to their evolution and dedication to their music. With a blend of heartfelt ballads and energetic anthems, the album not only reflects the band’s growth but also resonates deeply with their fans’ experiences of longing and connection. As they continue to captivate audiences across Scotland and beyond, it’s clear that Trail West’s commitment to their roots and their innovative spirit will keep them at the forefront of the Scottish music scene for years to come.
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