Cain Da Breth - An Dà Shealladh (2022)
by Flork
One thing the Florkster appreciates in an album is the quantity of variety between tracks. I mean, there are loads of albums out there of course that stick strictly to themes and the conventions of their genre, but most often they provide only a handful of standouts, with the gaps in between being filled with somewhat watered-down versions of their hits. Cain de Breth is no exception when it comes to themes, but instead of repetitive choruses and instrumentation, the strength of An Dà Shealladh rests on its variety of sounds and original compositions. And although some of you may think that I am wrong, just listen to the lyrics being sung, as the songs are all stories that stand apart from each other and describe a variety of different themes. You can hear how the group weaves together traditional Irish music with elements of death metal and modern Celtic folk, and this is no easy task to pull off. I particularly like this album, even if the genre itself isn’t quite my cup of tea (I am drinking tea as I write this). But I’m intrigued by the haunting vocals and violins and the light strumming of the guitars. It evokes images in my mind of the rugged Scottish Highlands or the lonely shores of Ireland. And yet, to my surprise, the group hails from Prague, Czechia, bewildering me with their ability to fool me that they don’t come from Ireland.
An Dà Shealladh opens with Eriu, an atmospheric track that subtly introduces the vocals and chill vibe of the album. It’s a beautiful song that is followed by Love Keeps me Sailing, which is a bit livelier, but with an underlying seriousness of the male vocal accompaniment. I become more and more enthralled by what I am listening to, especially as this track flows into Midnight Sun, a haunting melody with both heavier and lighter string instruments. There are no drums or percussions of any sort in the music (actually, that isn’t all true, I did hear some in Mirage of the Twine and Coincidence), just the beauty of the vocals and the strings (and the guitars), conveying a somewhat sombre and contemplative mood. The track I just mentioned, Midnight Sun, is the longest on the album and definitely my favourite as I become aware of the goosebumps on my skin.
Your Name follows and is a cozy interlude that provides a moment of reflection before the captivating lullaby Mirage of the Twine begins. This track in particular is full of beauty and showcases the band’s talent and reverence for Celtic sounds and music. Coincidence and Herafter, especially the latter with its interludes on the flute, are both intricate compositions that feature the haunting and atmospheric vocals that are signature of Cain da Breth. Even Secrets of the fall is no exception, since it resembles a doom metal track that was reborn in a Celtic sound. The album ends much like it begins, forlorn and sad, with Fairy Line, a track that leaves the listener in an introspective mood and contemplating one’s self, as well as life itself.
As I finish my cup of tea, I feel glad that I gave this album a chance. I can see how it would appeal to an older audience or perhaps to anyone wanting some atmospheric music while they read or walk alone in the woods or country. An Dà Shealladh was produced very well and highlights each track with the beauty of the vocals as they evoke strong images and bring the stories to life. Cain Da Breth definitely has a reverence to the past with a strong outlook to the future.
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