Name: Den Diobháil
Artist: Nuadán
Year of Publication: 2019
Source: https://nuadantrad.bandcamp.com/releases
Description: A second-album from Waterford-Dublin band Nuadán
In Detail: The first track is the slip jig Cucunandy into reels, including a lovely version of The Limestone Rock, and then "O'Donnell's Sligo Maid". It's a really aurally interesting mix of instruments; flute mixing expertly with strings and accordion in a light and airy texture.
The third track is a macaronic song entitled "As I Was Walking"; very much in the style of other primarily melody bands who throw in the odd ballad. It's a decent ad for versatility, with the now-standard incorporation of a jig, and interesting transitions between instrument and voice.
The final track is a jig "Camus Bheanntraí", into the fast-paced Edenderry Reel. Bouzouki adds a nice backing texture, and again, the melody instruments combine for a warm, listenable sound.
What's Good: This is listenable modern Irish traditional music, played by able, talented and imaginative musicians. There's a lot to like, and it makes for diverting listening. There's sufficient variety demonstrable to warrant purchase of the album.
What's Bad: Very little. It's hard to shake the feel of a prototypical Siansa band when listening, but that's a comment common to most new young traditional bands. These are musicians that will eventually find a sound that is sufficiently unique to bring them to the level of some of the more established traditional bands should they keep refining their sound - that much is clear.
Rating: 8/10
Have an album you want reviewed? Please email [email protected]
Artist: Nuadán
Year of Publication: 2019
Source: https://nuadantrad.bandcamp.com/releases
Description: A second-album from Waterford-Dublin band Nuadán
In Detail: The first track is the slip jig Cucunandy into reels, including a lovely version of The Limestone Rock, and then "O'Donnell's Sligo Maid". It's a really aurally interesting mix of instruments; flute mixing expertly with strings and accordion in a light and airy texture.
The third track is a macaronic song entitled "As I Was Walking"; very much in the style of other primarily melody bands who throw in the odd ballad. It's a decent ad for versatility, with the now-standard incorporation of a jig, and interesting transitions between instrument and voice.
The final track is a jig "Camus Bheanntraí", into the fast-paced Edenderry Reel. Bouzouki adds a nice backing texture, and again, the melody instruments combine for a warm, listenable sound.
What's Good: This is listenable modern Irish traditional music, played by able, talented and imaginative musicians. There's a lot to like, and it makes for diverting listening. There's sufficient variety demonstrable to warrant purchase of the album.
What's Bad: Very little. It's hard to shake the feel of a prototypical Siansa band when listening, but that's a comment common to most new young traditional bands. These are musicians that will eventually find a sound that is sufficiently unique to bring them to the level of some of the more established traditional bands should they keep refining their sound - that much is clear.
Rating: 8/10
Have an album you want reviewed? Please email [email protected]