Is that the fiddle I hear? And’s what’s that—the flute? The accordion, too! Now we’re talkin’…
If you’re looking to sway your pint to some solid, steady tunes that are as riotous as they are reflective, Jack of Folk by Tir Nan Og will be right up your alley. Some jams—like ‘Johnny Pirate,’ ‘Dicey F’ing Riley,’ ‘The Storm,’ ‘To Hell,’ and ‘Raggle Taggle Gypsy’—take on a rapid, urgent tempo, replete with stellar instrumentation backing the stories vocalists Volker Katzi, Robert Meyer, and Carina Lehmeier are telling. Fiddler Matthais Pracht really stands out in these numbers, as well as in others best described as more “commercial” or “market-ready,” such as ‘I’m Yours’ and ‘House of Cards.’
Truth told, Tir Nan Og’s particular brand of music isn’t for everyone, but it’s definitely for those looking for something traditional, yet experimental that’s comprised of both standards and innovation. There is a roughness to their sound that might not sit well with some listeners—and by “roughness,” I don’t mean anything to do with recording or production quality, but, rather, with the character and nature of what comes to life when a fraulein from southern Germany joins forces with four Irish lads, to become bandmates.
There is a decidedly hard, or brash, quality to Tir Nan Og’s music, a sort of swashbuckling, manly feel that’s full of testosterone. These are the songs of pirates, gypsies, and outlaws—the kinds of tunes you drink to, hear in the background of bar fights, or use to celebrate when your favorite soccer/football team makes it to tourney. You have to be down with this vibe to be down with what’s going on, on this album.
So, enough about why you might not like Tir Nan Og’s music, and on to why you will like it… right? I’ve already told you... but, no worries, I’ll tell you again.
Traditional, yet experimental; standards alongside innovation. Stellar instrumentation, with strong storytelling—tunes that are as riotous as they are reflective. Hard, brash, swashbuckling, and, let’s not forget… full of testosterone.
I am totally down with the vibe Tir Nan Og has created and I’m down with what’s going on, on Jack of Folk. It’s a little bit aggressive, but packed with fun, skill, passion, and talent, and it’s sure to get your blood pumping. Consider it a go-to album when you need to pick up the pace in life a little—ya’ know, when you need some fire under your feet to get you going. Jack of Folk by Tir Nan Og will definitely give you the spark you need in those types of moments.
If you’re looking to sway your pint to some solid, steady tunes that are as riotous as they are reflective, Jack of Folk by Tir Nan Og will be right up your alley. Some jams—like ‘Johnny Pirate,’ ‘Dicey F’ing Riley,’ ‘The Storm,’ ‘To Hell,’ and ‘Raggle Taggle Gypsy’—take on a rapid, urgent tempo, replete with stellar instrumentation backing the stories vocalists Volker Katzi, Robert Meyer, and Carina Lehmeier are telling. Fiddler Matthais Pracht really stands out in these numbers, as well as in others best described as more “commercial” or “market-ready,” such as ‘I’m Yours’ and ‘House of Cards.’
Truth told, Tir Nan Og’s particular brand of music isn’t for everyone, but it’s definitely for those looking for something traditional, yet experimental that’s comprised of both standards and innovation. There is a roughness to their sound that might not sit well with some listeners—and by “roughness,” I don’t mean anything to do with recording or production quality, but, rather, with the character and nature of what comes to life when a fraulein from southern Germany joins forces with four Irish lads, to become bandmates.
There is a decidedly hard, or brash, quality to Tir Nan Og’s music, a sort of swashbuckling, manly feel that’s full of testosterone. These are the songs of pirates, gypsies, and outlaws—the kinds of tunes you drink to, hear in the background of bar fights, or use to celebrate when your favorite soccer/football team makes it to tourney. You have to be down with this vibe to be down with what’s going on, on this album.
So, enough about why you might not like Tir Nan Og’s music, and on to why you will like it… right? I’ve already told you... but, no worries, I’ll tell you again.
Traditional, yet experimental; standards alongside innovation. Stellar instrumentation, with strong storytelling—tunes that are as riotous as they are reflective. Hard, brash, swashbuckling, and, let’s not forget… full of testosterone.
I am totally down with the vibe Tir Nan Og has created and I’m down with what’s going on, on Jack of Folk. It’s a little bit aggressive, but packed with fun, skill, passion, and talent, and it’s sure to get your blood pumping. Consider it a go-to album when you need to pick up the pace in life a little—ya’ know, when you need some fire under your feet to get you going. Jack of Folk by Tir Nan Og will definitely give you the spark you need in those types of moments.
Four Stars