Powerful from start to finish, All Reverie, the latest track from Irvine based Celtic rockers Culann, was definitely worth the yearlong wait. With the official single release not taking place until Friday, fans were thrilled to first experience the track through the video launch.
In a thriving Ayrshire music scene Culann make sure they stand out; professional, passionate and talented. A melodic fuse of alternative rock streaked with the Celtic based influence of the Irish Kelly brothers has seen their popularity grow. After the great response to their single Jerusalem, there were high expectations for their third video.
Expectations that they met with ease.
Shot by Shoot-back Productions, this third release again features Rab Affleck (an Irvine actor known for appearances in Layer Cake and Gangs Of New York) yet has no obvious link to previous videos. Having a continued story would have been nice to see and if you are determined enough you could see how the lost soul Affleck portrays in Salvation (their first release), could transform to the thug like character he plays in Jerusalem, whose actions result in a drinking problem in later life (but that is very much clutching at straws).
However, his continued appearance means their videos are becoming instantly recognisable. You see Rab Affleck you think Culann.
Director Stuart Breadner links the video and music in a metaphorical way. Lyrics depicting a fight for freedom and hope of escaping darkness are backed with the visual representation of the terrible effects of alcoholism as black goo taking over Affleck. Combining the difficulties of his struggle with the melodic waves of highs and lows, the gentle and strong turns of the melody and yet more stunningly placed instrumentals allow both the video and the music take you on a journey.
Together and separately, they work well. The video alone tells a moving story of a troubled soul. But when it comes to future live performance of the song the potential is huge. Close your eyes and listen without visual aids and the song takes on a new turn.
Without the quick sharp cuts and getting almost lost in Affleck’s struggle, you can focus on the beauty of the track itself. Stunning harmonies fuse with quick, punchy guitar riffs. Not afraid to show off their talent the track breaks down into a chilling instrumental in which the band slowly builds to a climax before hitting listeners again with strong harmonies.
After a year of touring and writing, this release was crucial for the band to prove they could still create the enchantingly powerful tracks that led to the success of their album. Keeping the high standard that we have come to expect of the band would be difficult. Going beyond what fans could have hoped for if this track sets up what is to come next, then the band will continue to go from strength to strength in the coming year, starting with the official launch of All Reverie at Audio, Glasgow on 12 April.
The Glasgow Music Geek 