To Boldly Go

Previously better known for its strengths in traditional music, Galway is now playing host to some very strong contenders in the rock arena. Its status as a college town has, no doubt, something to do with this, but then it has always been a melting pot for fusion of ideas.

Eight of the best of the current crop of Galway residents feature on this album, divided between acoustic and electric forms. There is a thread of pure professionalism running throughout from first track to last and while the axis of power will not be shifted away from Dublin overnight, there is enough here to suggest that a few more A...R personnel from the metropolis shoud aquaint themselves with the N4 and the N17. Besides guys, think of the expenses!

Ruth Dillon's two contributions - one of which, 'One Eye Open' has been covered by Sean Tyrrell on his new album - are fabulous, while 'The Bottle' by Charis, and 'Just 'Cause I Want To' by Obskure - love the sound, hate the spelling - are tracks I will play again and again. I don't quite know why, but Mark McConville reminded me of a young Roger McGuinn, no bad comparison it has to be said.

Overall, I found the standard of writing and playing on the album to be much more listenable than much of the stuff that has come my way from major labels. It has been said before, but it is never the less true that compellations are a hard judgement call, yet I would have to say that at least five of the artists on this one have a real shot at taking things further.

Full marks too to Zhivago Records and The Roisin Dubh for getting involved. Leading perhaps where others will follow? I certainly hope so. Don't take my word for it though - buy the darn album.