The Crying Lion are a Scottish vocal group formed in 2014 by members of the Glaswegian indie band Trembling Bells (Alex Neilson and Lavinia Blackwall) and the a cappella group Muldoon's Picnic (Harry Campbell and Katy Cooper). The group began as a way for chief songwriter/arranger Neilson to explore the a cappella format and blend the bandmembers' combined interests in traditional vocal styles like English folk, American Sacred Harp, madrigal, and Gregorian chant. Citing a variety of eccentric influences from early 20th century English engraver Eric Gill to experimental filmmaker Maya Deren and author Dennis Potter, the Crying Lion offer an unusual but captivating take on choral music that mixes ancient traditions with literate, modern songwriting. After a U.K. tour supporting Bonnie Prince Billy, they released their debut LP, The Golden Boat, on London-based label Honest Jon's Records in late 2014. ~ Timothy Monger, Rovi