Album: For the Night by Elephant Sessions

The four-piece indie-folk band, Elephant Sessions, have recently released their fourth studio album, ‘For the Night’. 

Comprised of fiddler Euan Smillie, mandolin player Alasdair Taylor, bass and synth player Seth Tinsley and percussionist Greg Barry, this innovative band from the Highlands of Scotland formed in 2012 and burst onto the indie-folk scene, going on to release their 2014 debut album ‘Elusive Highland Beauty’ that propelled them toward success. They have amassed a large fanbase, won multiple awards and played at an array of notable venues across the UK, Europe and Australia.

Their sound is a rich blend of genres – at its core trad, funk, and electronica. ‘For the Night’ takes their range of influences from other genres to the next level, particularly those from other countries of the world. 

The album’s title and opening track, ‘For the Night’, catapults the listener in with a high-frequency brain-bending build – a whooshing ear candy opener that satisfyingly drops into a confident, punchy bassline and steady backbeat, before a fast-paced and catchy fiddle melody enters. This establishes the band’s trademark sound straight away – a constant throughout the album. This first section segues into a fresh multi-rhythmic breakdown as the bass drops out. Toe-tapping rhythms and stabby synth sounds build to a dramatic drop with light Afro-Latin style percussion to be joined by a fast Samba-like beat. These provide extra layers of complexity to this track, and in my opinion, set it apart from previous work from the band. This opener starts the album off as it means to go on – the interweaving of other unusual and exotic elements throughout.  

The rich palette of influences is particularly evident in ‘After Hours’, with a hybrid of tropical and disco style percussion fills playing with the steady funk bassline, alongside eastern string slides and an unexpected breakdown section with organ and choir – a personal highlight of the album that adds intensity and drama.  To me, on top of the Scottish folk and trad, it projects a mind-boggling mix of classical, gospel and an edgy alt-rock darkness all in one – a Je ne sais quoi moment. 

Exotic percussion features once more in ‘Taransay’, as drums with an African feel add rhythmic texture to simple yet satisfying, “question and answer” melodies on the violin. In ‘Moonwake’, a traditional Scottish-sounding medium-paced fiddle melody is off-set with Latin-pop off-beat percussion and heavy rock drums, alongside 90s dance style synths, while distorted guitars and glitches add a quirky edge. 

Meanwhile, ‘Is This a Vibe?’ keeps it current with a lo-fi intro, and the mandolin shines in a driving rhythmic force of percussive plucks. Both electronic pop percussion and heavier rock drums feature as the track evolves, creating a pleasant contrast. Layers of lush strings add ambiance and compliment the melody. 

The surprises don’t end there: ‘Rebirth’ combines dark techno synths and 80s drum-fills with sci-fi sound-effects reminiscent of flying saucers. Flowing delays on the violin add emotion and balance the harsher and more futuristic sounds in an intriguing way. 

‘Ebbe’, the penultimate and slowest track of the record, veers towards a more traditional sound compared its companions. Having some familiar territory could be a grounding reminder to long-standing fans of the band’s roots and Scottish folk fans in general, and the flowing and feelingful violin line is a welcome contrast to the album’s faster melodies. However, this track is by no means predictable. An off-beat bassline and electric guitar riffs mix things up and keep the listener engaged.  

The closing track, ‘FM’, is probably my top pick overall. Radio transmissions, a gritty, futuristic yet retro synth, epic dramatic drums and fills, plus funk guitar interweave in a moody minor chord progression. These elements woven together remind me of some of the work of rock band Muse, a personal favourite, who also blend influences across multiples genres to great effect.  

In a nutshell, I would highly recommend this album to any fan of indie-folk, especially those intrigued to see the genre with new twists and turns. Long-time fans of Elephant Sessions won’t be disappointed – there’s no doubt it has their definitive, catchy and melodic style, but fresh arrangement and production elements will catch you at every turn, keeping you on your toes. Those with a broad taste in music generally, whether new to indie folk/trad or not, will also appreciate this eclectic album. 

‘For the Night’ is a musical mélange, a delight to the ears which, even with the juxtaposition of so many unusual influences, still flows effortlessly from beginning to end.  As with all Elephant Sessions’ releases, uplifting and life-giving, it will make you want to get up and dance – but this time, to new rhythms too.  This ceilidh of a record, though unmistakably Scottish, is filled with sonic surprises and international special guests!