We’ve long been fans of Clannad at Folk & Tumble and fondly remember sitting down on a Saturday evening to watch Robin of Sherwood and marvel just as much at the great music as the wonderful story telling that unfolded over the course of the three series. One of the things in particular we’ve always liked is the way they’ve kept releasing songs in Irish and not providing any translations. In fact we firmly believe that this adds to their appeal and allows the listener make the song whatever they want it to be in their own personal vision.
‘Nadur’ (Irish for nature) is the title of their most recent album which is their first studio release in fifteen years and also the first to feature all five original members of the band since 1989. The album opens with ‘Vellum’ which is everything you’d expect from the band. Big production and harmonies abound in this ode to the power of the written word in another time. “Sacred words were scratched on sacred skins, elemental curse to light a candle to; turning darkness into light, ancient hymns will light the words to come”.
‘Rhapsody nagCrann’ is co-written with Irish poet Cathal Ó’Searcaigh and is sung in Irish. Featuring a less produced sound and stripped back instrumentation the melody is pleasant enough, but lacks the spark required to light our imagination and carry us off with it.
‘Transatlantic’ is a heartbreaking tale. Moya Brennan’s vocal is particularly strong and haunting here. It tells the tale of a heartbroken Mother and the pain of separation caused by emigration. “Look out for my son; he is so very young. Look out for my son, my blood and bone…” This one hooked us immediately and held our attention right up until the final line which got quite an unexpected and questioning look as we heard it.
‘Turas Dhómhsa chon na Galldachd’ is classic Clannad. Big, big harmonies and a call and response chorus all sung in Irish. This is what we love form this band. Taking old folk songs and giving them a whole new sense of identity and mysticism. There’s definitely a nod in this one to ‘Caislean Oir’ from the Robin of Sherwood soundtrack.
‘Brave Enough’ has a very deceptive opening, but quickly switched track to become one of the best songs on the album and that’s not just our pal Duke Special is on there. The song itself is a call to arms “Am I strong, will I fail, am I brave enough today, or will I fall, will I fail, am I brave enough today?” Duke’s voice perfectly harmonised with Moya’s gives it an edge not usual heard on Clannad songs. Could we see this performed as a duet at the forthcoming Belfast concert?
Quite possible one of the most unusual songs we’ve ever heard on a Clannad album is ‘The Fishing Blues’. Think Ringo songs and in particular ‘Octopus’ Garden’.
‘Tobar an tSaoil’ assaults the ear with Gaelic harmonies and drum beats. Again this is classic Clannad fayre and one really captures the imagination. Other highlights include ‘The Song in Your Heart’ a song for a departed loved one and ‘(Hymn) To Her’ which once again has a more stripped back traditional feel with a beautiful acoustic guitar solo.
‘Nadur’ is a big (13 tracks), but good album and creatively it demonstrates a coming together of ideas and musical talents who appear to be finding themselves again. It might not be as memorable as some of the 80’s albums such as ‘Magical Ring’, ‘Legend’ or even the divisive ‘Sirius’ but it is a strong showcase of creativity and musical ability that many younger bands and musicians would yearn for. Non fans will find it pleasing and hard core fans will be busy comparing it to previous work, but it stands on its own two feet and sits well against the bands back catalogue.
Clannad play at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on the 31st October 2014.