Let's get one thing out of the way first. Why can't record companies (particularly one as well respected as Real World) give journalists the full Monty? By this I mean that accompanying information to be gleaned from sleeve notes goes further than you would think in making the scribe's life that little bit easier. Hell, there's not even a catalogue number. That said, let's get down to the nitty gritty. For those of you that have encountered the Afro Celts before, this is stirring stuff and sure to get your groove buds moving. My allegiance as ever lies with the astonishing contributions of James McNally who is more prominent here than on any of the band's previous outings. The inclusion of the single 'When You're Falling' featuring the tortured vocals of guest Peter Gabriel is deservedly in a class that should take it to the top of the record charts. But, knowing the fickle hand of fate, it won't be deemed commercial enough (...now if your name was Sting...). The musicianship within… more »

Let's get one thing out of the way first. Why can't record companies (particularly one as well respected as Real World) give journalists the full Monty? By this I mean that accompanying information to be gleaned from sleeve notes goes further than you would think in making the scribe's life that little bit easier. Hell, there's not even a catalogue number. That said, let's get down to the nitty gritty. For those of you that have encountered the Afro Celts before, this is stirring stuff and sure to get your groove buds moving. My allegiance as ever lies with the astonishing contributions of James McNally who is more prominent here than on any of the band's previous outings. The inclusion of the single 'When You're Falling' featuring the tortured vocals of guest Peter Gabriel is deservedly in a class that should take it to the top of the record charts. But, knowing the fickle hand of fate, it won't be deemed commercial enough (...now if your name was Sting...). The musicianship within the band is exemplary throughout - but unfortunately I don't have the names of the other musicians at hand - sorry chaps! - And the bedrock of percussion, programmed layers and loops etc helps everything drive along at a nice, though not too frantic pace. If you're in need of a good fix of popular rhythms, ambient sounds (I can't call the vocals anything else because I don't understand a word) coupled with those Celtic overtones this is an absolute must buy.

PETE FYFE