Two fifths of the critically acclaimed group The Gloaming have joined forces in the releasing of their new self-titled album. A nine track collection of music that will tug at your heart strings, open your imagination, and perhaps even make you fall in love with Irish traditional music. Let it be known however, that this isn’t just an album of Irish dance tunes. Whilst still firmly rooted in the Irish music tradition, the pair have succeeded in creating a diverse sound, exploring influences from all over the world. It follows along the same route as that of The Gloaming in terms of musical style and atmospheric creation. This is achieved beautifully with minimalist patterns on the keys which build and evolve until they reach crescendo levels, seemingly responding to every passionate bow of the fiddle. Highlights are ‘We Thought We Knew’ and ‘Open Shelter’ the latter of which is fourteen minutes of entirely cinematic bliss in the form of simply stunning melodies and motifs. Fresh off the bat of a spellbinding gig in St. Luke’s as part of the Sounds from a Safe Harbour festival, this power duo are set to reach new heights with the release of this superb debut album.
Album of the Month – Caoimhin O’ Raghallaigh & Thomas Bartlett
