Manran: A Scottish Folk Band full of Energy, Passion and Vitality

Last night I went to see traditional folk band Manran at the Plough Arts Centre, in Torrington. The sextet all come from different parts of northern Scotland but are now based in Glasgow. I had never heard of them before and it was only because my mum was sent an email about things coming to the Plough this week, (and after checking them out on YouTube we thought they sounded pretty good) so decided to go.

We were not disappointed, they were fantastic; their foot stomping hand clapping uplifting music filled you with a sense of happiness and contentment. The plough is a small venue so it created an intimate friendly atmosphere very different to that of my experience at the O2 where I saw Mumford and Sons. However slight comparisons could be drawn with the London based Folk rockers, not least in both bands penchants for tweed waistcoats(very stylish and trendy they looked too). Manran’s sound has a similar hoe down throw down feel but is much more traditional. All their songs are sung in Gaelic and they use traditional folk instruments such as the Scottish bag pipes, the Irish Uilleann pipes, accordion and fiddle along with more conventional instruments the flute, drums, bass and acoustic guitar.  

Manran Performing

I couldn’t say which songs were standouts as all were equally brilliant, I did enjoy the opening number especially, it was entitled: Oran na Cloiche However some of their slower songs made lovely poignant moments they played one particularly beautiful Gaelic love song which was about a white swan and another written by the base guitarist which was a tribute to his wife called Maria. Usefully the story or meaning of each number was explained by singer, fiddle and bagpipe player Euan Henderson, which was very interesting and added to the experience as otherwise, unless you understand Gaelic the message of the songs would have been lost.

My personal favourite pieces were those that had a strong fiddle part. Their music is very lively it just made you wanted to get up and dance! Which one young member of the audience took much delight in and provided extra entertainment, he was a very good mover!

I purchased Manran's 1st album and got signed by the Band

In summary it was a wonderful gig, with tons of heart and soul performed by a highly talented, intelligent, enthusiastic band who clearly love what they do. If you get a chance to see Manran I whole heartedly recommend you do.  

Check them out at www.manran.co.uk