And what transpires once a 55-year-old Scottish Information Technology expert decides that it’s time for the country to have a new, invigorating song for its football history? Why, what you have there is a song called “Saltire (Tartan Army),” the most recent creation from the team known as Rodeo Terrorists. This is not your regular song because it is one perfect fusion of culture and music that has all the right Celtic style, edgy electronic elements, and terrace-ready hooks. Launched on June 5th, the “Saltire (Tartan Army)” song achieves the almost impossible goal of being a genuinely funny, lighthearted homage as well as a touching ballad to the fabled Tartan Army. What the song does well is to capture the intense passion and dedication that is synonymous with the spirit of Scotland fans around the world, transforming their passion into an anthem that is as universally inspiring as it is passionate. While there is no denying that there is an audacity about the concept, the truth is that the song’s sincerity will draw you in regardless of your stance on football songs. I have been following Rodeo Terrorists for quite some time now, and their latest anthem proves without a doubt that they have a unique, intuitive genius when it comes to combining culture and contemporary themes.

The song opens up to an incredibly fast-paced, rapid-fire melody that comes at you like a starter pistol. There is something wonderfully raw about the sound, with the clash of the crisp, clear plucking of a stringed instrument and a complex layering of shimmering synthesizer giving way to a modern and intense arrangement of instruments. Whether it is the acoustic versus digital, or a perfect blend of both instruments working in harmony, there is no denying how the two work perfectly together because of the power of the playing. This introduction is not merely introductory, but an all-out rush that pulls you into the action and refuses to let go. It has a lot of gusto to it, much like the sound of a cheering crowd in a stadium, all coming together in a rhythmic symphony, and it promises nothing but the thrill that is known as Rodeo Terrorists.

In terms of theme, “Saltire (Tartan Army)” represents everything great about terrace songs. This is a song created to be catchy in the same way as it is spirited. “Saltire (Tartan Army)” is a very unique song that combines the witty banter of the local pub with the national pride and also the self-mocking sense of humor peculiar to the Scottish people. It brings out the essence of supporting the team through the song, making the listener feel as if he/she is part of the crowd, experiencing everything that comes with football rivalry. But aside from the clever lyrics and energetic riffs, this track pulsates with an important message. Richard has endowed this production with his own purpose, utilizing it as a way to shed light on the plight of fighting Motor Neurone Disease. Through the dedication of this song to the remembrance of the late friend lost to this ailment, this song has risen beyond the confines of the sporting world and become a vessel of advocacy and healing. It is this combination of joy and real-life struggles that makes Saltire (Tartan Army unique and special; this track is able to honor the passion we have for the game and simultaneously make an impact on the bigger picture by helping MND Scotland find a cure. This is an anthem for more than the football pitch; it is a tribute to friendship and the ability of music to unite us for a greater good.

The creation of “Saltire (Tartan Army)” is a remarkable piece that originates from a rather unconventional process of formation. To grasp the origins of the musical characteristics of this composition, one should examine Richard’s background, and given the fact that in his younger years, he built the digital legacy of such celebrities as Britney Spears, NSYNC, and Backstreet Boys, Richard can certainly be called a professional. His music is not created by someone whose knowledge about producing is merely based on personal interests and curiosity. On the contrary, he is capable of producing a composition in which there is something that would attract the listeners’ attention immediately. The reason why this song seems particularly appealing and close to him is that Scotland played an integral role in shaping his personality. The song’s lightning-in-a-bottle feel comes through as something truly natural and organic about the work; having been written in an incredibly short time span of 30 minutes as a much-needed reprieve from his mundane life, it exudes a certain spontaneity that is often missing in overly produced stadium pop music. The combination of sounds is an absolute master class of genre blending, akin to the clash of the romantic folk stylings of the Waterboys’ work and the pulsating, synthesized beats of New Order’s “World In Motion.” Combining the traditional Celtic motifs with the energy of pop rock, the song achieves a rare feat of capturing the spirit of old tunes while introducing something entirely new to them. In this way, the artist managed to create something that is neither a mocking tribute nor an absolutely sincere homage, but rather a perfect product of the terrace culture of Scotland.

Releasing the album during the World Cup tournament turns out to be a stroke of genius since it elevates the level of the song from being just an athletic anthem to becoming an anthem of a cause much deeper. Living in a world where everything seems fragmented, the track “Saltire (Tartan Army)” accomplishes something amazing: it regains a bit of my belief in people. To find a song to be both extremely fun and proud at the same time, and make it an avenue of philanthropy, seems unusual. To have a one-of-a-kind creative talent such as Rodeo Terrorists gracing my blog with his presence through this track truly makes me feel honored. There is no doubt about the presence of something magical in the professional manner in which he brings together the spirit and fun of the Scottish way of life and makes a listener realize why he decided to get involved in music journalism in the first place. This is not only a song you enjoy but rather an experience you become a part of. It makes me truly thankful for such openness on the part of the artist, and I cannot wait to see what he comes up with next.

Stream “Saltire (Tartan Army)” on Spotify

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