ONE of the best things about Celtic Connections is, without a doubt, discovering the up-and-coming artists and bands who just beginning to make their mark in the ever-growing Scottish trad scene.
I saw not just one of these bands on Saturday night, but two. Dlu – a Glasgow-based, Gaelic-speaking band who combine pulsing dance rhythms and disco with original tunes and traditional Gaelic song – played their biggest headline show yet as part of the festival at St Luke’s.
They were supported by Scottish fish, a trad band from Boston which consists of five female musicians who have been playing together from the ages of 7 to 11.
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I had only come across Dlu in passing and hadn’t even heard of Scottish Fish prior to the gig, so my friend and I went in with little knowledge or expectation.
As the lights dimmed in the historic venue, the members of Scottish Fish came on as the opening act. Four held fiddles, and one a cello. They all had a distinct style in the way they dressed, and the anticipatory crowd waited with whispers as they set up.
Named after the American sweet Swedish Fish, the five young women began touring at an early age, and it was instantly clear why they are an internationally loved band.
“The coolest girl band in the world?” my friend asked me after they played their first song.
Yes.
Ava Montesi (fiddle), Caroline Dressler (fiddle), Giulia Haible (cello, piano), Julia Homa (fiddle, piano), and Maggie MacPhail (fiddle, piano) told the crowd that they grew up in the Boston trad scene, connecting with their Scottish and Irish heritage through music.
The quintet clearly has a powerful connection on and off stage, and played with such talent at such a young age so far from home. Their tight set had everything from a waltz to a cheeky reel, with historical and modern influences sprinkled throughout.
The crowd gave them the warm Scottish welcome we’re known for, and as they finished, my mind drifted to how the Scots will absolutely adore them on their home soil in Boston when the Tartan Army travels across the sea for the World Cup next year.
Dlu came to the stage with drama and gravitas, a quick shift from the fresh and youthful energy of Scottish Fish.
The pink and orange lighting faded to make room for blues and greens as the five members came on. Lead singer Moilidh NicGriogair was joined by Zach Ronan, Aidan Spiers, Andrew Grossart, and Seoras Chlad.
The name comes from the Gaelic word “dlùth”, meaning close-knit, and is a tribute to the long-lasting close friendship between band members.
The young band looked nervous, but this wasn’t felt until we saw them really let loose during their final song, knowing their biggest headline show to date was a success.
All throughout the show, the individual and collective personalities of all five shone through, especially during their song which was to remind the crowd, deep in winter the joy that’s felt with a can of Tennant’s in the park on a sunny day.
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NicGriogair displayed some beautifully eerie and siren-like vocals alongside a charismatic Ronan who played accordion like no one I've ever seen before.
As Gaelic speakers, Dlu are evidently passionate writing music that appeals not only to members of the Gaelic speaking community but to those who have never heard Scottish traditional music before.
Between Scottish Fish’s transatlantic take on the tradition and Dlu’s shimmering, Gaelic-driven club energy, the gig captured a scene that is thriving in young hands. If this is the future of trad, then it is in very safe, exciting company.
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