The Breath

The Breath is a Manchester-based alternative folk duo formed in 2016, consisting of Irish singer-songwriter Ríoghnach Connolly and guitarist Stuart McCallum. The project represents a sophisticated intersection of traditional folk sensibilities, jazz-influenced musicianship, and cinematic post-rock textures.

McCallum, formerly of The Cinematic Orchestra, brings a highly atmospheric approach to the acoustic guitar, utilizing space and subtle electronic treatments that distinguish the band from standard folk acts. Connolly, awarded BBC Folk Singer of the Year in 2019, provides a lyrical foundation rooted in personal history, Irish heritage, and social justice, delivered with a vocal range that draws comparisons to both Sandy Denny and Beth Hart. Their career arc has seen a move from the more layered, full-band sound of their debut 'Carry Your Kin' toward the stark, intimate brilliance of 'Land of My Other'. Critically, they are lauded for 'Only Stories', which stripped back their previous work to its barest essentials, highlighting their core strength: the raw, unadorned interplay between voice and wood. They occupy a unique space in the UK folk scene, bridging the gap between traditional roots and modern experimentalism.