The enchanting sounds of wanderers, expressed in Scots, are at the forefront of Josie VallelyS artistry. This daring musician from Glasgow performs under the name Quinie (pronounced “q-why-nee,” which translates too “young woman” in Doric). her third studio album is a heartfelt homage to her forebears who continue to guide her spirit. This compilation showcases iconic singers such as Lizzie Higgins, Jeannie Robertson, and Sheila stewart, whose genuine voices permeate these 11 eclectic tracks. The album masterfully blends fiddle melodies with Gaelic sean-nós singing and canntaireachd—the vocal imitation of pipe music.

To craft this album’s distinctive rustic essence, Quinie collected songs from participants while riding her horse Maisie through the scenic landscapes of Argyll—a process she describes as fostering profound sensory connections with nature (“you hear through all your senses,” she mentions in the liner notes). Furthermore,she has produced a short film that visually narrates this experience. In “Auld Horse,” spoken word elements harmonize with field recordings of babbling brooks alongside stevie Jones’ remarkable double bass performance—known for his work with Alasdair Roberts and Sounds of Shout—enhanced by Ailbhe Nic Oireachtaigh’s rich viola tones.

The various tracks on this album showcase Quinie’s raw yet compelling vocals that evoke an almost siren-like allure. this is notably evident in “Col My Love,” where her voice intertwines beautifully with Harry Górski-Brown’s pipes—a captivating opening track that serves as a cautionary tale about hidden dangers near coastlines. In contrast lies “Sae Cramped a Inform,” where her voice delicately complements rather then overshadows the soft tones produced by an Armenian duduk oboe.Notably striking are Quinie’s acapella performances; her interpretation of Matt Armour’s ballad “Generations of alternate,” originally released in1982 is both simple yet mesmerizing as it recounts a grandmother’s reflections on life lessons passed down through generations—emphasizing how age brings wisdom while making room for youth.