Celebrated Glasgow-based Gaelic indie-trad band DLÙ are set to release their highly anticipated, dance-inspired album Close To on Friday 28th June. Weaving a blend of fast-paced traditional music with elements of indie, funk, rock and pop, DLÙ have created a distinctive sound on what will be their second album.
Close To aspires to emulate the energy that comes from experiencing live music and dancing to your favourite songs with your most-loved people.
This dynamic album unveils an evolved style from the five-piece, reflecting the story of their lives. Each track pulsates with camaraderie, shared experiences and a sense of excitement as DLÙ forge their own path. Listeners are drawn into the centre of the band’s evolution as the young musicians mature throughout this album.
Reflecting on their debut album Moch, and the live shows that showcased its music, the band have put a renewed focus on what sounds resonated most with their live audiences when writing Close To.
Moilidh NicGriogair of DLÙ said: “In the process of honing our musical direction, we found a shared vision with Close To. We worked with producer Pete Fletcher to draw inspiration from the structured approach of dance music tracks, focusing on a single melody and crafting arrangements around it. Our debut was marked by experimentation, featuring tracks with multiple themes and melodies. While we still explore diverse concepts on this album, there’s a greater cohesion within each track. We’re really excited to share its sound with fans.”
The gifted five-piece band comprises Moilidh NicGriogair (fiddle, lead vocals), Zach Ronan (accordion, backing vocals), Aidan Spiers (guitar, backing vocals), Seòras Chlad (bass, backing vocals) and Andrew Grossart (drum kit, percussion). Their sonic shift is accentuated by the incorporation of synths, courtesy of Duncan Lyall.
This new body of work aims to forge a tight connection with fans, especially with young Gaels and others who, like them, may share experiences on Gaelic medium education. The band have included two Gaelic songs on the album – the first single ‘Mogaisean’ and ‘‘Mhic Iain ’ic Sheumais’ – which are written for young Gaelic speakers finding their way and exploring Gaelic language’s place in today’s world.
Influenced by Gaelic artists such as Julie Fowlis and Mànran, as well as pioneers like Martyn Bennett and contemporary innovators like Niteworks, the band were inspired to stamp some traditional Gaelic songs with their unique style on this album.
Moilidh NicGriogair continued: “From the halls of Glasgow Gaelic School to the stage, we have always been a close-knit band. However, in writing this album our friendships have deepened. Each note is a testament to our shared journey, a fusion of emotion and melody that showcases how much we enjoy making music together. This has resulted in a tighter sound and a greater synergy with each and every note.”
Winners of the Danny Kyle Open Stage at Celtic Connections in 2018, the band’s urban upbringings, diverse musical backgrounds and youthful energy set them apart from the status-quo. Their debut album Moch meaning ‘the start of things, a dawning’ was received with widespread acclaim, establishing their position as a young Scottish band to watch.
Close To was recorded between Blackbay Studio on the Isle of Lewis, Mark Morrow Audio in Leith and GloWorm Studios in Glasgow.
It will be available on CD and to download and stream on all major platforms from 28th June 2024. DLÙ play an album launch show at Glasgow’s SWG3 Warehouse on the same day.
Artists’ website: www.dluband.com
‘Aiseirigh’ – live:
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