Curmudgeon debut album release – Travelling North

Edinburgh-based folk trio Curmudgeon release their debut album Travelling North—a heartfelt and finely crafted collection of traditional songs and Celtic-style instrumentals that celebrates the richness of Scotland’s musical heritage.

Made up of Laurie Brett (lead vocals, guitar), Donald Gorman (fiddle, mandola, backing vocals) and Andrew Macintyre (Scottish small pipes, whistles, lead vocals), Curmudgeon have built their sound around the warm interplay of voice and melody, blending their instruments and talents into something quietly powerful.

Travelling North features an even balance of vocal and instrumental tracks. Laurie’s lead vocals shine on poignant pieces like To Hunt the Whale, The Last Trip Home and Beeswing, while Andrew brings character to The Last o the Clydesdales and humour to Grat for Gruel. Instrumental sets like Da Smugglers / Underhill / If I get a Bonny Lass / Hamar ower da Taing and Mrs Jamieson’s Favourite / Craigellachie Brig / Over the Isles to America showcase the group’s ability to reimagine traditional tunes with both finesse and flair.

With smallpipes, fiddle, mandola, whistles and guitar, Curmudgeon’s arrangements are full of rich, shifting textures. The result is music that feels deeply rooted but alive with creativity. As one music critic put it: “Many bands insist on filling their albums with self-composed material, but I always enjoy more the treatment of well-known tunes by fine musicians… recreated with such care and intensity to produce arrangements and performances that are quite exquisite.”

Don’t be fooled by the name—while “curmudgeon” might suggest a gruff exterior, this album radiates warmth, wit, and a genuine love of the music. From Shetland reels to Highland airs, from comic songs to slow-burning laments, Travelling North is a beautifully realised debut.

Travelling North is available now on all major platforms.

Available from all major online platforms

CDs available from Amazon and birnamcdshop.com