Here’s one for you. You will either LOVE or HATE this record. Vocalist in the groovy Afro -Celt Sound System Iarla is blessed with some sweet tonsils and has previous convictions.

I own 7 Steps to Mercy and If I Could Read the Sky. Dark, brooding mysterious Celtic outings. Steeped in the atmosphere of Ancient Ireland these records paint a landscape of mountains and mist and stir my spirit, right place right time these tunes could also melt the hardest of hearts and touch the soul ( proper Guinness can also help).

So when Foxlight appeared I had that little rush of excitement you have when one of your favorite artists have a new release.

So why do I feel so let down? The first track is lovely ‘Heart of the World’ …sung in Gaelic, as is most of the album. Breathless vocals, soaring synths, birdsong, delicate guitar and percussion….good start but by track 5 “‘Foxlight’ I’m ,well, bored…where is the inventive edge of his earlier works I am asking myself ?

Track 9 ‘Seven Suns’ wearily arrives clothed in similar apparel, airy vocals and impeccable ambience- I’m really losing the will to live . This is going to be awesome on Radio 2, people will love it ,This is perfection and is going to sell shampoo or a car and holidays on the West Coast. Don’t get me wrong this is a sumptuous work, almost flawless.The arrangements are exquisite ,the production magnificent…but it is a male equivalent to Enya. The same thing happened to Enya. Her first record “The Celts” was a wonderful work but you know the rest of the story. Clannad have a similar tale- rootsy first couple of albums and then…..the sweet smell of ££££

Well, thinking I may be a little harsh I have another listen and a peep at the latest bio. and discover the lad is doing a masters in “ethnomusianship”. This helps me understand but not change my mind . Someone please tell me I am missing the point. Off for a pint.

Words: Keefy

Iarla O’Lionaird Website. Facebook. Myspace.