Ever since the 'glory' days of Harry's Theme and Robin the Hooded Man the mercurial tones of Moya Brennan have been etched into the minds of millions. Not surprising really for as her rise from the seminal folk group Clannad reached fever pitch she decided to opt for a career outside the family group. For many folk music enthusiasts it was akin to a divorce and although she didn't make a dramatic move, this side-step embracing Christian leanings found a whole new audience. Being Brennan's seventh solo album it's very much a case of if it ain't broke don't fix it and since those days of 'Robin', the slick (and I mean that without being derogatory) construction of layered vocals enhanced by gentle acoustic instruments such as guitar, bouzouki and harp combined with lush string arrangements and jazz tinged Uilleann pipes and saxophones there is a quality to the music that becomes positively mesmerising. Yes...I suppose 'cool' would more or less sum up the feel if you were to present it… more »

Ever since the 'glory' days of Harry's Theme and Robin the Hooded Man the mercurial tones of Moya Brennan have been etched into the minds of millions. Not surprising really for as her rise from the seminal folk group Clannad reached fever pitch she decided to opt for a career outside the family group. For many folk music enthusiasts it was akin to a divorce and although she didn't make a dramatic move, this side-step embracing Christian leanings found a whole new audience. Being Brennan's seventh solo album it's very much a case of if it ain't broke don't fix it and since those days of 'Robin', the slick (and I mean that without being derogatory) construction of layered vocals enhanced by gentle acoustic instruments such as guitar, bouzouki and harp combined with lush string arrangements and jazz tinged Uilleann pipes and saxophones there is a quality to the music that becomes positively mesmerising. Yes...I suppose 'cool' would more or less sum up the feel if you were to present it to the general public even though that is probably a bit of a cliché. The opening track "Purple Haze" sets the scene with a Bruce Hornsby-ish dramatic rippling piano effect underpinned by a percussive beat whilst her style of lyric writing isn't easy going if you're more used to what she did in her early Clannad days indeed, there's only one traditional track on the whole recording and that's in Gaelic. That's not to say the writing's bad - it's just...different. Unlike many of my friends I don't count myself as being precious when it comes to the music I enjoy and I suppose my eclectic tastes (which can cross from Status Quo and Santana to the Spinners in one sitting!) are a bit hard for many to comprehend I can't see anyone not liking this album as it creates a palate of aural pleasure that is both stylish and well executed. If you're looking to get seriously chilled out buy this album! I play it all the time in the car when travelling from gigs and it always de-stresses me - and believe me, that's no mean feat.

Pete Fyfe