Essential Anuna

Anúna have always found themselves walking a thin line between cultdom and mainstream viability. With their Riverdance background and distinctive imagery (think a Celtic Polyphonic Spree), they have become shorthand for a sort of mystical Irishness – a classic example being their recent turn as opening act for the Trilogy Fashion Show at the RDS. To dismiss them out of hand would be foolish, for, as this compilation proves, they have produced some amazing moments over the years.

It may sound alien to ears accustomed to record after record of electronic overload, but there is an inherent power and beauty in the simple human voice. The mystique of singing in Latin or Irish suits them best, increasing the sense of otherworldliness that the more middle of the road English material lacks.

While Essential Anúna won’t be to everyone’s taste, crank up the volume on the likes of ‘Meda Vita’, ‘Nobilis Humilis’ and ‘Gaudete’ and it’s hard not to feel the stirrings within.