The fact that Alltacht have taken their time to prepare, record and release this record says a lot about their mentality and approach. This is a methodical and carefully arranged recording which shows high levels of commitment and execution.

Each member of Alltacht can already be considered a virtuosic interpreter of the tradition in their own right. Each has spent countless hours refining their individual style, yet these blend seamlessly together to create a sound-world which is distinctive in this era when traditional music is soaring in popularity. The record contrasts a lightness and delicacy of touch, most notably in moments where the vocals and fiddle are to the fore, with the power and drive of the accordion and accompaniment. This occurs within individual tracks but also in impressive moments of light and shade across the whole album. I was particularly drawn to the accordion bass which fills a sonic register that is often overlooked in Irish music and is a genuine innovation on this record.

There are clear reference points on the recording to past and present masters – hints of Altan, Seamus Begley and groups such as Pólca 4 and The Olllam – showing that the band has built their creative practice on solid foundations and a healthy respect for the various elements of the tradition. The great Scottish fiddler Allistair Fraser once remarked that ‘the groove is not trivial’ - there is certainly nothing trivial about the groove that listeners will encounter on tracks like ‘Miss Johnston’s Hornpipe’ and ‘An Gasúr Fiosrach’, which have true festival energy. On ‘As The Waves Push On’, an end of night instant sing-along, we see an exciting glimpse of where this ensemble may go in the future with their own compositions.

 

It would be remiss of me not to mention Alltacht’s connections with the Irish World Academy, which for over thirty years has provided a space for young musicians to develop their skills. Institutions are only as strong as their people, and Alltacht are representative of the very best of the students who have passed through the ‘House of Light’ at UL and onwards to forge remarkable careers in music. I wish them the best for the future and warmly congratulate them on this important milestone.”

Dr Conor Caldwell

Course Director, MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance in the Irish World Academy, UL

 

“From the explosive reels at the start to the gentle, almost melancholic self-composed song by Liam Broderick at the end, this album is full of twists and turns that will make the listener return to it repeatedly. Each member of the group steps up to take the lead at various points, demonstrating both individual talent and wealth of instrumentation played by the group. They are not afraid to tackle the slower, moodier pieces alongside heavy rhythm and percussion-driven tunes. When you then realise that this is a new, young and exciting group and this is their first foray into recording, the future looks very bright for Alltacht.

 

 Deirdre Scanlan  Traditional singer, tutor in the Irish World Academy,

 UL and lead singer with Solas (1999-2007)