They teased us with a live LP back in 2011. Now, Dublin-based punk-tinged bluegrass/Irish folk outfit Gypsy Rebel Rabble finally treat us to a proper studio album in the form of the ten track, Take My China. Immaculately produced by Gavin Glass in Orphan Studios, the self-confessed “rockahillbilly” band have delivered a rootsy gem.
‘April Queen’ kicks things off in fine style thanks to the excellent marriage of violins with a wheezing harmonium, and from there the likes of the raucous and ragged ‘Bastard Baby Brown’ and the super sweet ‘Secret Tea’ keep the pot stirring.
The vocals throughout are superb. Brona Keogh’s performances in particular are nothing short of mesmerizing and the beautiful ukulele and harmonium-led ‘Save Me’ suggests that she may soon be regarded among the very best singers in the country. Ian Bermingham is no slouch either and his emotive croon is a mixture of sandpaper and chocolate sprinkles on ‘Sail Together’ and the haunting ‘Blue Water Consistency.’
If you’re a fan of the Revival Tour, then these Gypsies will be right up your street.

Key Track: 'Save Me'