Scottish alt-folk band Curiosity Shop announce debut EP, Bound For The Sky

Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Edinburgh, Curiosity Shop is set to release their inaugural EP, titled Bound For The Sky, marking a significant milestone for the alt-folk ensemble. Formed in 2024, the group brings together songwriters Ruairidh Wallace and Sonny Scott with drummer Duncan Biggar, bassist Louis Taige, and multi-instrumentalist Yann McAuley, establishing a collective voice that explores themes of personal and artistic discovery.

Bound For The Sky is a five-track project that encapsulates a narrative of wandering and growth, tracing the band members’ journeys both individually and as a unit. The EP reflects their shared experiences of navigating the challenges and uncertainties inherent in the early stages of their musical careers and personal lives. Central to this, the latest single "Wandering Arrow" serves as a poignant expression of persistence amidst turbulence, with lyrics that gesture toward resilience and hope.

The tracklist also includes previously released single "Crows," and other compositions like "Books On The Wild," "About A House," and "Rambling," each contributing to the EP’s cohesive storytelling. These songs collectively offer listeners insight into the band’s reflective approach and their blending of influences both historical and contemporary, creating a sound that bridges past and present alt-folk sensibilities.

Production duties were handled by Kasper Sandstrøm, whose prior work with acts such as Divorce and Do Nothing lends a textured depth to the recordings. The mastering process was completed by Felix Davis, known for his collaborations with artists including Cameron Winter and Geese, ensuring a polished and nuanced finish to the project.

The creative partnership at the heart of Curiosity Shop originated with Wallace and Scott, who met during their school years and later converged in Edinburgh to pursue music studies. Their initial songwriting collaboration laid the foundation for recruiting the other members, culminating in a band that embraces the uncertainties of their artistic path while cultivating a shared vision.

This EP not only marks their official entry into the music industry but also serves as a sonic diary of their formative years. The band members have described this period as one marked by exploration and finding their footing, both personally and musically. Their sound pays homage to influences predating their generation, offering a fresh yet familiar listening experience within the alt-folk genre.

In conjunction with the release of Bound For The Sky, Curiosity Shop has announced their first headline tour. The itinerary includes eight performances across Ireland and the United Kingdom scheduled for September and November, notably featuring a sold-out date at London’s Folklore venue. This touring effort underscores the band’s growing momentum and ambition to connect with audiences beyond their local scene.

The EP is slated for release on September 25 through Fontana Records. While the band is still in the early phase of their career, this debut effort positions them as promising contributors to the contemporary alt-folk landscape, blending introspective lyricism with a sound that resonates with both tradition and modernity.

As Curiosity Shop prepares to make a formal introduction to the wider music world, Bound For The Sky offers a glimpse into their evolving identity—a candid reflection of youthful uncertainty coupled with a steadfast resolve to carve out their own musical path.