Imar
Formed in 2016 and based in Glasgow, Ímar have quickly established themselves as one of the most dynamic and distinctive forces on the contemporary Celtic folk scene. Bringing together five leading musicians from across Scotland, Ireland and England, the band unites deep-rooted tradition with explosive energy and a richly textured, modern sound. When they last appeared at Wickham Festival in 2018, they left an indelible mark with a set that was both ferocious and finely tuned — a hallmark of their live performances.
Ímar was conceived as a cross-border celebration of shared musical heritage. The original line-up brought together musicians who had already forged strong reputations in their own right, united by friendship, session culture, and a desire to create something powerful yet rooted. At the heart of the band is founding member Mohsen Amini (concertina), a driving creative force also known for his work with Talisk. His distinctive, rhythmically propulsive style forms a central pillar of Ímar’s sound.
On fiddle is Adam Brown, widely respected for his expressive playing and also a member of RURA, one of Scotland’s most celebrated modern traditional groups. Bodhrán virtuoso Ryan Murphy, a former All-Ireland Champion from Cork, anchors the band with precision and flair, drawing on deep Irish rhythmic traditions. Guitarist Marc Clement (formerly of Project Smok) brings harmonic sophistication and driving groove, while Charles Overton (harp) — long associated with The Outside Track — adds a distinctive tonal colour that sets Ímar apart from many of their contemporaries. The inclusion of harp in a high-energy instrumental quintet gives the band a rare blend of delicacy and power.
Though firmly grounded in West Coast Scottish and Irish traditions, Ímar are best known for their bold, expansive arrangements. Their music thrives on tight interplay, blistering tempos, and an intuitive sense of dynamics that makes every performance feel spontaneous yet razor-sharp. They avoid over-complication, instead focusing on melody, groove and collective lift — qualities that have earned them a devoted following across the UK, Europe and beyond.
Their debut album Afterlight (2017) announced them as an exciting new presence, while subsequent releases, including Avalanche (2019) and Awakening (2023), have cemented their reputation for musical evolution without sacrificing raw energy. Awakening in particular marked a subtle shift in texture and maturity, showcasing a broader emotional range while retaining the thrilling drive that defines their live shows.
In recent years, Ímar have toured extensively across Europe and North America, appearing at major international festivals and selling out headline shows. Despite their demanding individual schedules with other projects, the band remains a creative priority — a testament to the musical chemistry that sparked their formation in the first place.
Now returning to Wickham Festival, Ímar bring nearly a decade of shared experience, global touring, and musical growth. Audiences can expect a performance brimming with intensity, precision and joy — a celebration of tradition pushed thrillingly into the present.
