Gnoss

Gnoss represents the vanguard of the modern Scottish 'trad' scene, emerging from the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. Founded by Orkney natives Graham Rorie and Aidan Moodie, the band's identity is deeply tied to the geography and folklore of the Northern Isles, though their sound is polished by the urban folk revival of Glasgow.

Their music is characterized by a 'new-acoustic' aesthetic that prioritizes high-fidelity production and complex, interlocking melodic lines between the flute, whistle, and fiddle. Unlike the more aggressive 'acid-croft' styles of peers like Elephant Sessions, Gnoss leans into a more melodic, chamber-folk sensibility, often incorporating singer-songwriter elements through Moodie's gentle, earnest vocals. Critically, they are praised for their ability to write original tunes that feel like rediscovered tradition, bridging the gap between the archival nature of folk and the innovation of contemporary acoustic music. Their trajectory from a duo to a highly decorated four-piece has seen them become staples of the Celtic Connections festival circuit.