I Was…Flyin' it

Damp In The Attic, composed of ex- and current members of De Danann (Colm Murphy on bodhrán), Chatterbox (Martin Murray on fiddle), the Tulla Ceili Band (PJ King on accordion) and Fisherstreet (Cyril O'Donoghue (vocals, bouzouki), is the first signing through Magnetic Music's newly-opened Clare office, and a fine debut it makes for all concerned.

O'Donoghue's understated and sensitive vocal performances, especially on the Scottish song of political betrayal 'Glencoe' and the American 'Spoon River', suggest that a solo album should be on the cards before long, although there's a reediness about 'Dobbins Flowery Vale' that didn't rest too easily on these ears. The ensemble playing on the barndance 'The New Broom/Pocket Of Stones' is finger-tapping good, as is the batch of French Canadian reels on offer on 'Sans Les Noms'.

Along the way you get some stirring reels, hornpipes and jigs, all played with a magical combination of finesse and humour. Especially pleasing are the sequence of reels including 'Andy McGann's' and 'The Knights Of St Patrick' which rattle along so merrily you don't want them to end. King's playing is a particular revelation and he cooks up quite a dish on 'Damp In The Attic' and 'The Moving Cloud'.

Given the plethora of excellent trad bands currently jockeying for the attention of the record and ticket buying public, you could argue for a little more adventurousness in the material and in the approach, but, despite that reservation, and their unappealing name, Damp In The Attic will surely warm many a heart through the coming winter.