Trip - In Terra’s Keep

Trip are nowadays an established authority on the Glasgow folk and traditional music scene. The unique blend of piano, flute, accordion, fiddle, guitar and percussion they offer has enchanted many listeners and their live shows are always packed with energy. Their musical journey continues with In Terra’s Keep, a work that further highlights their talent and artistic bravery.

The album opens with The 50 Reels, a foot-tapping set that showcases the collective’s dexterity, along with Rory Matheson’s piano playing, one of the strong points of the ensemble; not a mere accompaniment, but a voice in its own right throughout the release.

As with their previous work, the album alternates sets infused with the same energy of their live performances and songs like the heartfelt Sadness Passed and the delicate Hit the Road. They also provide a highly original rendition of Status Quo single Blessed are the Meek, featuring some thoughtful accordion and flute passages. The final track August Ascent takes the listener back to where this musical journey started, with a medley of fast paced reels that displays the exquisite technique of all six musicians.

The most remarkable achievement by such a large collective is the fact that every single musician has an unmissable role in the overall sound: piano, accordion, fiddle and flute alternate in taking the lead, percussion and guitar are a constant presence, contributing to the band’s trademark voice. The best example of this approach is Not a Cloud, an airy and evocative set of jigs featuring different atmospheres and an unexpected change of pace.

In Terra’s Keep follows in the footsteps of Trip’s previous endeavours, but, alongside their adventurous take on traditional and folk material and more, shows the maturity of a consolidated musicianship. We can only hope to enjoy more of this in the years to come.