one4review | On 08, Mar 2026

It was a warm summers day on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile during the Fringe that I came across a rarity, a Scottish folk band performing their mixture of well-known songs and a selection of their self-penned material that was attracting a crowd of several hundred people. Eager to find what was going on I joined the throng and spent the best part of an hour enjoying their performance.
Whyte Noise is a family band, Ciaran Whyte on guitar, drum and vocals, his dad Gordon on keys, accordion, fiddle and vocals and also mum Susan on bodhran and vocals. I made contact with them and booked an appearance at my local folk club for a full set.
The weather in February was anything but warm, but a full house of members turned out and the fare that they received had everything that any folky fan would love. There were traditional songs, sing-along songs, delightful original material, all delivered with humour, banter and warm flowing performances throughout.
Although they had not played for most before, there was a lovely feeling of inclusion, almost like the audience had been adopted into their family for the evening and the stories behind some of their own material, were both inciteful and endearing.
But it was the rip-roaring numbers that absolutely delighted the crowd most, Sam the Skull, Jelly Piece song, Doon in the Wee Room for example, got one and all singing and clapping along, seeking more merriment and garnering appreciation of the immense talent and personality that was displayed throughout. But there was also appreciation for slower ballads such as Burns’ Aye Fond Kiss where Susan’s pure voice excelled. And of course there was The Whisky Song, with every single malt distilled in Scotland getting a mention, finishing off with Rattlin’ bog to send everyone home delighted
It is fair to say Whyte Noise ticked every box., appealed to all, and more than one long-standing member went as far as saying that they were the best band that have ever performed for the Folk Club, and given some of the bands that have played previously that is some ringing endorsement.

Whyte Noise have been nominated as one of the best newcomers at the forthcoming Live Music Awards, truly deserved.