Tradfest Launch Gig: Lankum

Lankum are a four-piece group from Dublin, Ireland with an alchemical ability to combine traditional folk roots with contemporary undercurrents to forge music that is dark, mysterious and transcendental.

Comprising brothers Ian Lynch (uilleann pipes, tin whistle, vocals), Daragh Lynch (vocals, guitar) alongside Cormac Mac Diarmada (fiddle) and Radie Peat (harmonium, accordion, vocals), Lankum channel a diverse set of influences and histories to create a beautifully rare thing: a songbook from and for the people. Born of years criss-crossing Dublin's folk, squat and experimental scenes, their two albums Cold Old Fire (2013, recorded under former name Lynched) and Rough Trade debut Between The Earth and Sky (2017) breathe new life into ancient/modern rituals with urban punk fervour, rural psycho-geography and, underpinning it all, the eternal drone of the uilleann pipes.

Lankum are the type of band you never knew you were searching for. A group of individuals united by a gang mentality whose close vocal harmonies, instrumental interplay and dramatic storytelling pin you to the seat and revive the spirit. They show that folk music can be angry, progressive and is still a vital force today.

Support comes from piper/whistle player and 2016 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award Winner Brìghde Chaimbeul.

Presented by The Queen’s Hall as part of Tradfest

This event has finished, but you can read more about folk music at The Queen's Hall and across Edinburgh here and find out about upcoming folk shows at The Queen’s Hall here.