Alasdair Roberts has unveiled the first track from his forthcoming album, Pangs. Entitled ‘The Angry Laughing God’, it’s a fine example of why this modern-day Scottish folk singer is so highly respected. It’s not just the fact that he so proudly sings in his own (fine) accent, but when he sings and performs he somehow draws upon hundreds of years of tradition and brings it right up to the present day.
Pangs is his ninth studio album, and this song is a reminder that Roberts still continues to surprise. Whilst it draws on the traditions he so clearly respects and aims to both to add to and continue, there’s a spectacular amount of ideas going on within here. Sure he can do melancholia along with the best of them – but this track is actually upbeat and rather beautiful. If you have never heard Alasdair Roberts before, this is as fine a place as any to start.
Pangs is released 24th February. Check out more from Alasdair Roberts on Bandcamp.
