Little League Rebellion, the brainchild of Scottish musician Ruaraidh Wishart, has consistently pushed the boundaries of music by combining diverse genres and themes with electronic elements and recorders, creating a distinctive and captivating sound. With a background in classical music and a history of playing and writing for alternative and prog metal bands, Wishart has forged a unique path in the music industry, and their latest album, “Unsent Letters,” is no exception.
Ruaraidh Wishart’s journey as a musician began with classical music, but it was his experience in alternative and prog metal bands that allowed him to develop his unique approach to music. Drawing from these diverse influences, he established Little League Rebellion as a platform to explore music by merging various genres and themes with unconventional instruments like recorders and electronics. This distinctive blend of elements sets the stage for the creative and experimental approach taken by Little League Rebellion.
One of the recurring themes in Little League Rebellion’s music stems from Ruaraidh’s experience as an archivist. The music delves into the concept of memory and employs techniques that bring the past to life for contemporary audiences. Previous projects, such as “A Sough O’ War,” demonstrated the power of setting old poetry in original dialects to modern electro-punk folk music. This project breathed life into the Doric voices of Northeast Scotland from the First World War, telling the story of how the region was profoundly affected by this historic event.
“Unsent Letters,” Little League Rebellion’s latest album, continues to explore the theme of the past’s relevance in shaping our behavior and mental health in profound ways. This album delves into the collections we keep hidden, rarely sharing our memories and emotions with others. It offers a profound examination of how the past continues to influence our present-day emotions and actions. The music on this album mirrors the depth of its subject matter, with dark electronic elements combined with moments of vulnerability expressed through the use of recorders.
The album takes listeners on an intense journey into the depths of personal history and the impact of unexpressed emotions. It encourages reflection on the collections of memories and sentiments that we often leave unsent and hidden away. By addressing these long-held emotions, “Unsent Letters” offers listeners a chance to confront their past and understand how it shapes their present lives. Throughout the album’s progression, the music guides the listener towards a more nurturing and healing space. It highlights the potential for growth and transformation that comes from expressing long-suppressed emotions and addressing unresolved issues from the past.
“Unsent Letters” is a testament to Little League Rebellion’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of music and using their unique sound to explore complex and meaningful themes. Ruaraidh Wishart’s background as an archivist informs the band’s ability to dig deep into the past and bring it to life through music. This latest album serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding our history and the emotions we carry with us, ultimately offering a path towards healing and growth in our present lives.
In a musical landscape often characterized by conformity, Little League Rebellion stands out as a bold and innovative force, using their artistry to shine a light on the profound connections between our past and our present. “Unsent Letters” is a compelling and thought-provoking musical journey that invites listeners to explore the depths of their own history and emotions, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking a unique and transformative musical experience.
ABOUT THE GROUP:
Little League Rebellion is the brainchild of Ruaraidh Wishart. In his youth in Scotland he learnt classical music and then went on to cut his teeth playing and writing in alternative and prog metal bands. He later established Little League Rebellion as a vehicle to explore music further by combining genres and themes with electronics and recorders in unique and unusual ways.
Continuing themes of Little League Rebellion music come from Ruaraidh’s experience as an archivist. The music explores memory and techniques to bring the past back to life for a contemporary audience. Past projects have included setting old poetry in original dialects to modern electro-punk folk music – “A Sough O’ War” powerfully brought the First World War Doric voices of NE Scotland to life to tell the story of how the area was affected by that cataclysmic event.
Another project has invented a new style – “Acid Bardcore” mixes medieval dance music with modern day electronic dance. At the same time as introducing listeners to both styles and a new sound world, it also reflects how the past is interwoven into our lives, as a relevant aspect of our society that still affects, informs, and influences our world today.
Little League Rebellion’s latest album (out in September 2023) is an intense continuation of that theme – how the past can affect our behaviour and mental health in extreme ways. “Unsent Letters” explores the collections we store or hide away and rarely send or share with anyone else – our memories, and emotions. The dark electro style of much of the music reflects the subject matter, with recorders providing contrasting moments of vulnerability.