Stitch Records is pleased to release the first album from Seán R. McLaughlin and The Wind-Up Crows, 'Goodnight, Lad'. McLaughlin co-produced it himself along with Andy Monaghan of Frightened Rabbit and Jeremy Backofen from The Felice Brothers. It shows the power of working together and McLaughlin's strong songwriting and mostly recorded in McLaughlin’s home studio that he built during lockdown, the album has an intimate but big sound that Monaghan and Backofen polished up in Glasgow and New York.
The album is firmly rooted in McLaughlin’s childhood on the remote island of Bressay in the Shetland Islands. It weaves rural images and the mystical north throughout the tracks. Songs like “Wishing Well” and “Run Aground” portray the harsh beauty and seclusion of his homeland. By contrast, “Ninewells” explores the bizarre effects of grief, while “The Lightning Tree” displays his skill for vivid musical stories.
'Goodnight, Lad' features some really impressive musicians, like internationally known artists Ragini Shankar, Lewis McLaughlin, and Joe Montague. There's also some celebrated Shetland folk musicians on there too like Vicky Gray, Alex Johnson, and J and j. Jamieson.
To celebrate the album coming out, Seán R. McLaughlin & The Wind-Up Crows are going to make a special trip back home traveling way up north 200 miles from mainland Scotland to the Shetland Islands. They'll play the whole album at the Mareel Theatre & Arts Centre during the Shetland Folk Festival, which should be a great night of music.
With 'Goodnight, Lad', McLaughlin and the band invite you into a world full of raw emotion nice lyrics, and great musicianship. So the album should really connect with audiences all over.
Connect with Seán R. McLaughlin & The Wind-Up Crows: Instagram
