Record of the Week: Sailing A Boiling Sea by The Tumbling Souls

With its roots firmly on the Isle of Lewis the supergroup navigate towards their next album with a single release that is sure to make waves for all the right reasons.

The Tumbling Souls have been riding on the crest of a wave since getting together.

First their videos of live performances shot on the Isle of Lewis threatened to take over the internet, and then their debut album ‘Between the Truth and the Dream’ was embraced by a plethora of rave and heartfelt reviews.

That interest manifested itself in gigs and at festivals where the smiles of those on stage told a story of its own as their fans and newcomers to their 60’s-meets-trad-meets-Cajun-before making-out-with-country vibe danced, jigged and whooped.

To watch a live The Tumbling Souls gig is to understand the joy, the love and passion for music. To hear it on a gadget, in ear buds or as it should be – loud – in the confines of your own space is to embark on a journey made of imagery.

Now they are setting course for their forthcoming follow up album with the release today of their new single – Sailing A Boiling Sea.

Apt, perhaps, that it was recorded at the edge of the world looking over the waves from the windows at Black Bay Studio, mixed by founding member Willie Campbell in the sanctuary of his home, and released by the brilliant Wee Studio today.

If all the screams collaboration, consider too how fiddler extraordinaire Adam Sutherland no less agreed to let the band use his composition ‘Road to Errogie’ for the track after a moment of inspiration from accordionist Stephen Drummond.

There is an energy in this track that could come from the power of the sea itself. It washes you in sound, crashes into your emotions and bathes you in thought. Once it is over, the salty taste of the notes almost lingers on your lips.

The term supergroup can be overused, but not here. Where else would you find members of Face the West, Astrid and Ho Ro together, crafting new tunes and bringing decades of live experience to a project bursting to get out there.

The group's talented tune players, who emerged from the Feis movement, take centre stage in their sound, skilfully complementing the arrangements but never at risk of overpowering them.

This latest release follows a structure more akin to a pop record yet true to their roots and full of surprise, navigating the next chapter of their musical journey.

Sailing A Boiling Sea is out now on Wee Studio Records.