Barrule

Barrule, from the Isle of Man, have a unique sound of traditional Manx music. Their band is named after the famous Manx summit, where legend says the ancient Celtic God Manannán MacLir stalked his mighty fortress. The band members are: Jamie Smith - Piano and Accordion, Tom Callister – Fiddle, and Adam Rhodes – Bouzouki. Together their penchant for bold and sensitive arrangements enables them to present a number of self-penned items.

Some fresh takes on the indigenous Manx music must now, surely, signal the arrival of that repertoire onto the world stage. Their music evokes the natural beauty of the island and adds very special qualities that embodies something of the genius loci. Hidden within the rich culture, the music is laden with a shimmering fiddle, banjo, piano accordion, bouzouki and soaring, gritty vocals. Most of the songs are guaranteed to get the feet tapping and, on a good day, dancing round the kitchen but there are one or two mournful slow airs exquisitely rendered on Tom’s fiddle. The Manx theme is a strong and all-encompassing influence which runs throughout the whole project – not only with the title and moody cover art but also in the fact that the recording was funded by the Manx Heritage Foundation. It’s easy to see the links between the traditional Irish, Scots Celtic and that of the Manx music sound. The album does not over play on vocals, it relies more on the power of the instruments and adds vocals where they are appropriately needed.

She Lhong Honnick Mee – ‘I Saw a Ship Sailing’- starts out slow with an accordion then a lively fiddle starts to play adding in the bouzouki makes the song very engaging. The music is very energetic. Sung in Manx Gaelic, the Celtic lyrics softly swim along with the music without in any way overbearing it.

Mylecharaine's March – a march that you won’t want to walk a straight line with. It will have you jigging all over the place as you wander down the road. Your body will move with the beats. You can hear the softness and then the build. The tune is proud and tells of the Manx strength. It is calling for all in its native land and beyond to join in the reverie.

Irree Ny Greiney - is a slow-building atmospheric piece based on a song celebrating the rising of the sun originally written by Bob Carswell.

O My Graih - has a bleak and hypnotic drone.

In Search Of Manannan - within that song, the hurdy gurdy kicks in and you are taken to Brittany.

Europop Vona – is a marvellous piece of cheesy daftness which has a beginning and end worthy of a Eurovision entry.

One of their newest songs is called 'The King Of The Sea'.

On the strength of this debut, Barrule should have no difficulty convincing the world that the music of the Isle of Man is to be celebrated, treasured and above all enjoyed.For more information about this band go to:

http://www.barruletrio.com/

Denise L. @DL7855