Calum Ingram – Cup Of Urafain (ft. Michael Ronstadt)
When I think of “rocking out on the cello”, my mind immediately heads to Hauser; however, my introduction to Calum Ingram and Michael Ronstadt pushes Hauser down a peg or two. Inspired by the likes of Peter Gabriel, Jack White and Jimi Hendrix, Ingram saunters through intimate folk, heavy rock and obscure…um, whatever it is that Jack White does. Fusing classical training in the cello with a jazz background and passion for rock, the Scottish musician brings a symphonic intricacy to “out there” melodic chaos.
Following his single ‘Show Me The Way’, Ingram collaborates with Michael Ronstadt on his new single ‘Cup Of Urafain’. The pair met at a show in Tucson, Arizona and instantly bonded over their “passion for rocking out on a cello”; skip ahead some years and the pair collaborate on a cross-continental project. Drawing together their natural talent as individuals, ‘Cup Of Urafain’ is a melting pot of diverse influences, experiences and styles.
Along with the enigmatic pairing comes a sound that is entirely Ingram and Ronstadt reflected in ‘Cup Of Urafain’. Shifting from the upbeat jazz ‘Show Me The Way’, Ingram shifts to folk-rock in the new single. Driven by a rush of cellos, Ingram and Ronstadt flood your senses carrying you off into a hazy sonic whirlpool. An unstructured caress of rock twirls you about before splices of electric guitar pierce the tune giving it a rock edge. Interestingly, while you might be lost in a chaotic whimsy, an intricate precision of classical and contemporary build a cinematic symphonic harmony.
Just as the melody rattles between wistful joy and desperate darkness, the poetic lyricism enhances its profoundness. Taken from Ingram’s upcoming studio album, ‘Cup of Urafain’ is a personal narrative on today’s sociopolitical climate. Penned in 2020, the piece taps into global turbulence and divisiveness – a theme still evident four years on. By concocting the Urafain “to represent the poison society is fed by politicians”, Ingram questions whether you will drink the poison deteriorating to a life of greed and turmoil or if you will opt for peace and unity, even if it might be the more difficult road.
In addition to the single, Ingram released an official music video for ‘Cup Of Urafain’. You can view the video below or via Ingram’s YouTube channel.
Find out more about Calum Ingram on his official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more folk rock tunes on The Other Side Reviews Folk Rock playlist:
