For their third album with their current label, Danu find themselves at something of a crossroads as they attempt to build on gains already made as a result of endless touring, principally in Europe and the Colonies, and accommodate a new voice in the ranks.
It’s good to report that Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh’s induction has been accomplished with the minimum of fuss. Her voice is light in texture but not substance, as she tackles material as divese as Sandy Denny’s ‘Farewell, Farewell’ and the traditional ‘Beannacht O Ri na hAoine’. On ‘County Down’, from the pen of Tommy Sands, her treatment brings to mind Dolores Keane, as she’s eased in by Benny McCarthy’s accordion, just under the vocal line .
The tunes come from a variety of sources, originals sitting comfortably alongside those from the native well, all played with vim, vigour and intelligence. Their work with John Sheahan on ‘The Wonder/The Impish’ hornpipes is possessed of a lovely old-world sense, and the overall feel of the album is one of a band at ease with themselves, a well-integrated unit who have much still to offer.