The 1980s Bard’s Tale computer-game trilogy was recently hailed by Steam as “one of the most iconic RPG series of all-time”. Three decades on, The Bard’s Tale IV: Barrows Deep was released in September, with its Gaelic-based soundtrack - created by Simple Minds bassist Ged Grimes - retaining the originals’ signature use of songs to drive the action. 

That music works its magic again on tonight’s virtual quest through 18th-century Scotland, incorporating synchronized video, gameplay and live action, with veteran Scottish actor John Buick as the Bard. Together with featured singers Kathleen MacInnes, Fiona Hunter, Eilidh Cormack, Kim Carnie and Mackenzie, Grimes leads a stellar backing line-up of Gregor Philp, Ali Hutton, Innes White, Màiri Chaimbeul, Martin O’Neill, Ewen Henderson and Brian McAlpine.

Setting the mood in aptly trad-based but 21st-century style, young instrumental sextet Heisk – who cite small-hours Festival Club inspiration as their original founding impetus - combine fiddles, electro-harp, keyboards and drumkit in distinctively textured, funkily groove-based tunes.