Folk-rockers rev up with release of new record Reactors

ONE OF Shetland’s prominent folk rock bands have announced the release of a new album – their first in nine years.

The Revellers will launch their new album Reactors with a gig at the Gulberwick Hall on 27 September.

The band worked with local musician and sound engineer Jamie Hatch to create the album, with recording taking place over the last three years in an array of locations such as The Bop Shop, Stevie Hook’s Wobbly Gang Hut Studios, a disused kirk in North Nesting and the Adenia fishing boat.

The seven-piece band – Magnus Bradley, Adam Priest, John William Halcrow, Michael Anderson, Daniel Gear and the Peterson Brothers (Lewie and Erik) – say the album showcases original material which spans a range of styles from rock, folk and punk.

It marks the follow-up to their well-received second album Skeletons, which came out in 2016.

There are guest appearances from Hatch, Sophie Wishart (cello) and Magnus Williamson (fiddle), who will also perform live with the band this year, while Mona Walterson lends her voice to a Rhoda Bulter poem towards the album’s climax.

“Making Reactors has required a lot of patience,” banjo player Lewie Peterson told Shetland News.

Artwork by Lauren Bulter.

Artwork by Lauren Bulter.

“Since the first discussion about making new music after Skeletons, we’ve had a global pandemic, changes in career, family life, new arrivals, houses etcetera, which all test any part-time band.

“Making an album the traditional way live was impossible so it’s forced us to work differently, and hopefully the songs are better for that.”

He added that while Reactors is not a concept album, there is a “vague connection” among the tracks – with songs reflecting on modern life, the interactions and dynamics, and “the way we react or don’t react to things”.

Peterson also said Hatch, known more recently for his work with local music outfits such as Big Time Quell and The Last Giant, has been “crucial” to making the album work.

“He has had to go above and beyond trying to catch band members when they’re available, and we have really enjoyed listening to his work on the production so far.”

The band are celebrating Reactors with a special launch gig at Gulberwick Hall on Saturday 27 September, which will be for ages 16+.

This will be the first chance for anyone to buy physical copies of the album.

There will also be a performance during the day aimed at families and anyone who cannot make the night-time gig.

More details will be announced in coming weeks but tickets are going on sale from High Level Music tomorrow (Friday 1 August).

There are also plans to release a vinyl version of the album later in the year.

Before all that The Revellers will be one of a string of Shetland heads heading south in September to play at the Orkney Rock Festival.

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