(12 September 2002) Something exciting is happening in Scottish Music. A new breed of young musicians, steeped in the musical roots of their land, are pioneering an innovative fusion of traditional songs and instrumentals with contemporary sounds to create a new form. Such is the latest compilation by Survival Records entitled The Future Sounds of Galedom (SURCD026, 2002).

This is an unique musical movement, pushing the boundaries of the genre way beyond anything that is happening in Ireland or in any other area of Celtic/Roots music. One only has to read the many reviews of Capercaillie's music within Musical Discoveries to understand.

This is no ordinary compilation. The fifteen artists features are a veritable "Who's Who" of contemporary Celtic music; from Capercaillie to the Peatbog Faeries; Marty Bennett to Michael McGoldrick; Shooglenifty to Croft No Five. Listen to the tracks and you will certainly wish to explore your new favourite artists further.

The common denominator is their approach and attitude to their music. All of them have taken an ancient tradition and merged it with modern grooves to create a brand new sound that has already begun tapping into a younger, mainstream difference.

"At a time when more and more of what passes as popular music is being diluted, as the same styles are recycled over and over again, it is only by looking to the indiginous roots of a culture that music of any real depth and integrity can be found," said David Rome, director of Survival Records, who compiled this album. Co-director Anne-Marie Heighway and David are long time supporters of Musical Discoveries and the music reviewed here.

"Having worked with Capercaillie for the last ten years, I have been fortunate enough to witness the growth of this new music scene. The Future Sound Of Gaeldom is an opportunity for people all over the UK and around the world to hear what is happening in Scotland today," Rome told us.

Hearing the tracks on this album will encourage the listener to search out the artists' individual albums, some of which are already reviewed at Musical Discoveries. For example, our readers are reminded to check out Big Sky'sThe Source: Volume 1 (review) and the many Capercaillie albums reviewed at the site. This is great music, that the mainstream audience rarely gets the chance to hear, and it is Surival's aim with this release to introduce as many listeners as possible to these exciting new sounds.

The album features recordings by Capercaillie, Karen Matheson, Michael McGoldrick, Shooglenifty, Martyn Bennett, Mouth Music, Peatbog Faeries, Nuss, Alyth McCormack, Big Sky, Croft No 5, Tartan Amoebas, Paul Mounsey, Salsa Celtica and Keltic Electrik. A mix of instrumentals and numbers with stunning female vocals, this is a compilation that will have wide appeal.

Read further reviews, listen to soundbites and order the album from amazon.comhere. Clearly worth a trans-Atlantic journey, this stunning compilation from our friends at Surival Records is a must listen!