A new Scottish group has caught the attention of Apnin News after being brought to our attention by independent record label AD93.

The group, Garefowl, are preparing to release their new album, Things Will Vanish, and have now offered listeners an early taste of the record with the single “Buthaigir/Puffin.”

I had not previously come across Garefowl, so rather than reading the promotional material before listening, I decided to approach the track without any expectations. Sometimes that is the best way to discover new music: simply press play and see where the song takes you.

And in the case of “Buthaigir/Puffin”, the answer is somewhere remarkably calm.

A Different Kind of Listening Experience

“Buthaigir/Puffin” is not a conventional modern pop song. There is no reliance on prominent vocals or a big chorus designed to immediately grab the listener.

Instead, the track builds its atmosphere through instrumentation, with violins, cellos and woodwind instruments creating much of the song’s emotional character.

For listeners expecting a vocal-led contemporary track, this may initially feel like something very different. But that is precisely what makes “Buthaigir/Puffin” work.

The absence of vocals allows the instrumentation to take centre stage, creating a piece that feels designed less for a busy dance floor and more for those moments when you simply want to switch off.

After a long day at work, putting the children to bed or simply wanting some time to yourself, “Buff” feels like the kind of track that can sit comfortably in the background while allowing you to relax.

It would also work particularly well as part of a quiet evening at home, whether that means taking a bath, settling down with a book or simply sitting back and letting the music play.

A Track That Doesn’t Need to Shout

One of the most appealing aspects of “Buthaigir/Puffin” is that it doesn’t appear to be trying too hard.

At around four minutes, the track gives its musical arrangement enough room to develop without overstaying its welcome. The strings and woodwind provide the substance, creating an atmospheric experience without the need for conventional songwriting structures.

It is the sort of music where you can close your eyes and simply let it wash over you.

That may not appeal to everyone, particularly listeners who prefer music driven by vocals and lyrics, but for those looking for something more atmospheric and relaxing, Garefowl have produced something worth exploring.

An Unusually Positive Review

As someone reviewing music, I normally try to find something critical to say. After all, no song is perfect, and constructive criticism is part of any review.

With “Buff”, however, I genuinely struggled to find a significant negative.

The track does exactly what it appears to set out to do, creating a peaceful and immersive listening experience without unnecessary distractions.

It is also a song I could genuinely see myself buying, which is perhaps the strongest recommendation I can give.

Even my 10-year-old son was brought in to give the track a listen, and he gave it a solid 8/10. Personally, I would put it somewhere in the same region, perhaps an 8 or 9 out of 10.

Garefowl Prepare for Live Dates

While Things Will Vanish is still to come, Garefowl are also preparing to take their music on the road.

The group have an upcoming tour that will take them to Ireland and around Scotland, with further UK dates scheduled in Liverpool and London towards the end of October.

For anyone intrigued by “Buthaigir/Puffin”, those live dates could provide an opportunity to hear how Galile’s atmospheric sound translates to the stage.

Verdict

“Buthaigir/Puffin” may not be the sort of song you put on when you want something loud and energetic.

Instead, it is a track for slowing down.

With its combination of strings, cello and woodwind, Garefowl have created a piece that feels peaceful, atmospheric and remarkably easy to sink into. It is music that doesn’t demand your attention but rewards you when you give it some.

With Things Will Vanish still to come, it will be interesting to hear whether the rest of the album develops this sound further.

For now, though, “Buthaigir/Puffin” has certainly made me want to hear more from Garefowl.

Rating: 8–9/10

If you’re looking for something different, atmospheric and genuinely relaxing, “Buff” is well worth giving a listen.

Image provided by Rebecca Hawley