New Music 2012

Who is this?

The Magnetic North is a three piece collective from the Orkney Islands. The band recently released their debut concept album, Orkney: Symphony of the Magnetic North. The album was brought to inspiration through a dream from singer-songwriter Erland Cooper. The dream encapsulated Betty Corrigall, an Orcadian girl, who killed herself in the 1770s after being cast out by her village and becoming pregnant by a visiting sailor. Within Coopers dream Corrigall came to him and told him to make an album about his homeland, the Orkney Islands, and presented him with a track listing of various places within the Orkneys.

And what do they sound like?

Influenced by the ominous Atlantic Ocean and the Orkney Islands, The Magnetic North have sparked an ethereal, psychedelic edge. With haunting minimalism, The Magnetic North has constructed a mesmerizingly futuristic symphony.

The Magnetic North delves deep into the depths of the lucid Orcadian folklore. The band majestically personify ancient natural landmarks of which are staple to their homeland. The band conveys a sweeping emotion of an alien landscape of which to many, does not register as an existing place.

For your listening pleasure…

The debut single from Orkney: Symphony of the Magnetic North, ‘Rackwick’, a touching homage to the island.

What’s the final verdict?

The Magnetic North creates a striking soundtrack to the often disregarded Orkney Islands.

Words by David Sullivan.
Photo by Emily Dennsion.

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