LEYLAND-BORN guitarist Stuart McCallum provided the raw muscle for Cinematic Orchestra’s sound for six years.

But while he left the ensemble in 2012, McCallum has returned with three ex-members of the orchestra in tow, and a new musical adventure, The Breath, who make their first visit to the Grand, Clitheroe, on Wednesday.

“Somebody said: ‘The Breath would just be how Portishead would sound had they hailed from Kerry or Cork’, and I sort of like that,” he said.

“Our music is full of highs and lows and the crowd who come to see us at Clitheroe will see a very emotive performance.”

He added: “Our gigs are intense and take the audience on a journey via our natural energy on stage.”

The Breath fuse Irish folk influences with howling guitar riffs, and somehow it works a treat.

“We try to work in between the cracks, it is a very unusual sound and we create a bit of magic live.

“Sure, there’s a nod to the Cinematic Orchestra, the music is just framed in a different way.

“It is certainly very different to what we were doing 10 years ago.”

McCallum, 38, has based himself in Manchester for the previous two decades, adding: “I was in the right place at the right time because I’ve always had that desire and curiosity about music.

“Culturally Manchester is an incredible place to live, and I’ve experienced that energy and vibe from jazz, folk, rock, the DJ culture and latterly Irish music.

“It made a huge impression on me.”

The Breath’s haunting and hypnotic song, Antwerp, culled from their debut album Carry Your Kin - and released on Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records - is anchored by the vocals of Gaelic singer Rioghnach Connolly.

McCallum’s music allows Connolly to draw on her Irish folk roots with songs of birth and death, social struggle, motherhood and broken hearts.

If that sounds a bit heavy duty, it isn’t.

Simple, understated and raw, it is delivered from the heart and is reminiscent of the sparkling beauty of the Cocteau Twins in their pomp.

McCallum’s wealth of experience has seen him work on many other interesting music projects.

He contributed to the award-winning Disney nature documentary soundtrack, The Crimson Wing, and several of his own remixes have been used on Radiohead’s compilation album.

“It has proved an incredible journey because I was a bit of a recluse when I was at school,” he said.

“But I’ve worked very hard for everything that I’ve achieved in life. Hard work is the only way.”

The Breath with support from acoustic guitarist Kirk McElhinney The Grand, Clitheroe, Wednesday, December 14. Details from 01200 421599.