By: Staff
FOURWINDS has released their latest album, 'ALLTA,' and it’s undeniably one of the standout musical journeys of the year!
We took a deep dive into this large body of work and were really impressed.
We kicked things off with the opening track, "The Road to Cul Ros".
This track is a heartwarming and beautifully crafted celebration of traditional Irish folk music, carrying forward the essence of Ireland’s rich history. Irish folk music is known for its ability to convey stories of love, loss, and joy through dynamic and spirited blends of traditional instruments, and this song does so effortlessly.
This song immediately becomes an exhilarating encounter with the rich soundscape that FOURWINDS has so masterfully crafted. Featuring a blend of original compositions and traditional tunes across four songs and seven instrumental pieces, the album is nothing short of a thrill ride.
Recorded at Black Mountain Studios and in Dingle, and engineered by Alex Borwick with sound engineer Donogh Hennessy, the album captures a vivid, immersive experience. The band lineup—Tom Delany (uilleann pipes, whistles, vocals), Caroline Keane (concertina, whistles, vocals), and Robbie Walsh (bodhrán, vocals)—alongside guest musicians Alan Murray (guitar, bouzouki), Laura Kerr (fiddle), and Barry Kerr (flute, artwork), transports listeners to a place of new sonic adventures.
I’m forever grateful when a band checks off a box on my musical bucket list. The internet may have shrunk our world, but too often we stay in our familiar comfort zones musically. FOURWINDS and their album "ALLTA" shatter this glass box, delivering a fascinating, fresh experience that inspires you to learn a jig to this stunning music. The engineering on the album is crystal clear, not overly polished, offering an almost live-performance feel—whisking you straight to the heart of Ireland!
The next track, "The Snows of France and Holland," is captivating with its ethereal vocals. The singer's breathy yet powerful voice projects beautifully, blending soulfully with the traditional Irish stylings. It’s fascinating how music can connect you to places you’ve never visited, imparting the weight of a region’s history and landscape through song. The guitars are impeccably played, providing steady support to this ballad, while a moving wind instrument solo transports listeners, evoking an amazing sense of place.
"Men of the Sea" is a powerhouse of instrumentation. The song must have been a feat to mix, as each instrument shines with clarity and distinction. Listeners can choose to focus on each individual instrument or experience the track as a cohesive whole; the result is a masterfully layered, thrilling melody. The vocalist’s pronounced Irish accent adds charm, and the harmonies, along with flawless instrumentation, make this song an absolute joy.
"The Falcon’s Rest" is grounded with a powerful bass that provides a thunderous foundation for the song’s intricate melody. It’s mesmerizing and captivating; listening with closed eyes and headphones, one can easily imagine standing in an Irish field, the wind brushing across your face. As the song progresses, the energy builds, invigorating the listener and sparking an almost primal excitement. It’s an extraordinary journey through traditional soundscapes.
As for "The Great Big Roaming Ass", the title alone hints at the playful, lighthearted nature of this song. The opening whistle, undoubtedly delivered by a seasoned musician, immediately transports you. If you thought you knew Irish folk, this track will make you think again. The singer’s delivery of lines like:
"He’s a harem-scare him / a devil-may-care him / the great big roaming ass,"
will have you singing along or laughing as you share the tune with friends. It’s a ballad you’ll carry with you.
Finally, "The Slide to Lisdoonvarna" feels like the heart of Irish tradition. Every instrument pours its soul into this lively track, giving it an undeniable spirit. This song is a must for anyone looking to immerse themselves in traditional Irish music. Don’t forget to grab your ghillies and reel shoes—you’ll want to join the dance!
You can find this release on all major platforms; see below for links that take you straight to some of the profiles. Make sure to playlist, stream, and share ALLTA by FOURWINDS!
Check out this latest release and listen to more of FOURWINDS on Spotify & YouTube.
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