Other Worlds

THERE’S A wealth of talent these days in Irish music, much of it difficult to harness for one reason or another, however, Lúnasa seem to have the magic formula – four superb musicians who complement each other in both music and temperament, great tunes which are well arranged, and the ability to surprise and hold the listener from beginning to end.

If you thought that their eponymous debut was a promising introduction to their music, then prepare yourself for a shock, for Otherworld, as its title implies, takes things to a different level altogether.

From start to finish, it’s a wonderful experience, from the ferocity of the flute-and-whistle driven opening set to the stateliness of ‘The Miller Of Drohan’ to the reflective ‘Autumn Child’ by Brendan O’Regan.

It’s rare that words cannot adequately convey the power of an album. This is so frighteningly good that one wonders how, if they can come up with something this good so early in the game, they can be prevented from making the major breakthrough that is so richly deserved. Lúnasa, sooner or later will be ranked amongst our canon of national treasures. Brilliant.