“When I’m home from my 9 to 5/ Music keeps my soul alive/ If I stay here all hope dies/ Can’t you see the truth in my eyes?” Escaping the restraints of everyday reality to get their music out into the world is a common theme amongst musicians. These words, on ‘Anchor’ by Taidhg Burke, however, take on a whole new dimension for West Cork band The Calvinists.
In October of last year Burke – The Calvinists vocalist and bassist – tragically lost his life in a road traffic accident. Most other young bands would’ve capitulated under such circumstances. However, Burke’s drive and determination became the catalyst for the group to deliver their debut record.
And it’s a stellar effort from start to finish. Frank Weiler, Marc de Zoeten, Darragh Oakley and Burke effortlessly blended the spirit of Balkan gypsy blues with rough-and-ready folk using all manner of instrumentation, back-alley harmonies, yodels and roars along the way. And it is a fine thing to hear.
Comparisons with gypsy kings Gogol Bordello are unavoidable, no more so than on the rambunctious title track. But where it’s almost always a race to the chorus with Eugene Hutz and company, The Calvinists are happy to explore the spaces in between, delivering lyrical gems on ‘Jump Into My Arms’, ‘Truth’ and ‘Song Out Of You’ (both from the pen of Burke).
To lose such a creative powerhouse – as well as a great friend and cohort – must be devastating. However, King Of Lies does Burke proud, and is a huge statement from The Calvinists.