Criticism
Understanding the Core Tradition
The latest release from the traditional music label Raelach Records is its very first compilation album, featuring Noel Hill, Aoife Ní Bhriain, Pádraic Keane and Nell Ní Chróinín. Toner Quinn reviews.
No Obstacle for Erraught Online
The Irish mezzo Tara Erraught performed on 15 November at Dublin Castle as part of Irish National Opera's livestream series, Mezzo Masterpieces. Brendan Finan reviews.
The Enduring Vision of Julius Eastman
This week, in a livestream from the National Concert Hall, Crash Ensemble performed 'Femenine' by the black American composer Julius Eastman whose career was cut tragically short. Adrian Smith reviews.
After All the Work
Self-reflection – often painful, confusing and difficult – is at the heart of singer-songwriter Ailbhe Reddy's debut album 'Personal History'. Andrea Cleary reviews.
Freefalling and Unfolding
Composer Ed Bennett's new album 'Psychedelia' includes a number of large-scale works and features Decibel, Kate Ellis, Eliza McCarthy and Jack McNeill. Brendan Finan reviews.
Room for the Mysterious Folk
Composer and producer Neil O'Connor (formerly Somadrone) has recently released 'Ampere', a second album under the title Ordnance Survey, featuring collaborations with Dónal Lunny, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Cormac Mac Diarmada and David Murphy. Don O'Mahony reviews.
Every Second Feels Real
After emerging onto the scene in 2017, releasing two EPs and performing at many of Ireland's festivals, pop-grunge four-piece Pillow Queens released their debut album last month. Jake Tiernan reviews.
There's Strength in Song
Limerick singer-songwriter Emma Langford's second album 'Sowing Acorns', released last month, is a blend of folk-inspired songwriting and upbeat pop. Shannon McNamee reviews.
Love of the Living Sounds
Composer Karen Power's new album 'human nature' combines recordings of the living world with improvisations from musicians such as Michelle O'Rourke and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
The Futures We are Imagining are Too Narrow
Toner Quinn reviews two new works, 'Óró', which brought together artists from around Europe and took place in the Conamara Gaeltacht, and Jennifer Walshe’s live-streamed premiere, 'Ireland: A Dataset'.