Gosh the weather’s been hot over the past few days. In truth I wasn’t looking forward to sitting in a sweltering Barn at Baston this evening, a sort of sweaty Bastonbury as opposed to Glastonbury, but thankfully my fears were allayed – windows and doors were open. However it was still a hot night, mainly due to the music that emanated from the stage. Gnoss had arrived!
The tiny stage was rammed full of a bewildering array of pedals, switches and mainly black wires – it was as if there has been an explosion in a liquorice bootlace factory! However, as soon as the first notes were played, the reason for the vast amount of equipment became clear – it resulted in a brilliantly blended, balanced sound. Rarely has Baston heard such a great sonic mix – it would be so easy for sound to overwhelm in such a quirky L-shaped village hall but this was certainly not the case tonight. Well done to all responsible.
Right from the outset it was clear that we were in the presence of four blokes who are personable, approachable and who care about producing top-quality music for a live audience. GNOSS are Aidan Moodie (guitar, vocals), Graham Rorie (fiddle, mandolin, tenor guitar), Connor Sinclair (flute, whistles, vocals) and Craig Baxter (bodhran, percussion). Aidan and Graham are perhaps the chattier of the four, Craig regularly chips in from a seating position and Connor is, by his own admission, the quiet man.
Many of the songs and tunes played tonight were off their latest album, Stretching Skyward, perhaps their best yet and, as they explained, containing themes around change – ironically appropriate since in exactly a week’s time we are likely to have a change of government!
A striking feature of the band’s playing is that they effortlessly straddle the old and new. One minute you think you are listening to diehard traditional Scottish music and the next you are hearing bang-up-to-date-sounding songs, fresh off the press. The shift between the two is seamless. GNOSS are undoubtedly proud of their Scottish/Orkney roots and heritage but don’t ram in down the audience’s throat – a real skill in itself!
The instrumentals Christine’s, Audrey’s and the driving Vore Tullye are hugely accomplished, allowing for each member of the band to individually shine whilst simultaneously being integral within the band, definitely a case of 1+1+1+1 equalling 10.
High praise must be given to Aidan’s front-man vocals – his singing on Honey Wine, God’s Land, Honey Dew and in particular Dirt & Bone were stunning – both his voice and looks had a distant Paul McCartney vibe. Yet his obvious charisma was integral to the band and at no time ever became over-prominent.
An unusual feature of tonight was that the hall was absolutely full – not a spare chair to be had. I mention this because June is usually a quiet Baston month – last opportunity for the audience to enjoy summer peace and quiet before the school holidays. Gnoss’s reputation must have gone before them. Tonight’s gig was the last of the season and what a way to finish!
If you are a casual reader of this review, and you haven’t come across GNOSS before, I urge you to seek them out, both live and on CD. Their music is fresh, accomplished, tuneful and above all, energetic and optimistic. Just the job!
Review and Photos By Toby Wood
Baston Traditional Music 
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