The Young Dubliners-Red
(Omtown)
This Irish quintet has
been generating a buzz with their intoxicating brew of tin-whistles and
guitar chords. The new album Red
proves them worthy of the advance word.
The group effortlessly
sheds styles and moods to put together a feeling all of its own. The Celtic
instruments on "Bodhrain" feels as traditional as something the Chieftains
would stir up. "One & Only" starts out as a mournful ballad before changing
into a stomping rocker. The song "Rising/Change the World" is such a catchy
folk-rock tune that it has been used for a beer commercial.
The band’s unique sound
has caught the attention of Elton John lyricist Bernie Taupin, who
contributed the lovely bossa nova-tinged title track to this album. They
also have hooked producer Thom Panuzio (U2, No Doubt) who has glossed up
their traditional sound to a sparkling rock sheen.
The mix of the smart
production, clever hooks, the ancestral instruments and leader Keith
Roberts’ sturdy voice make this the best Celtic-rock mix since the heyday of
the Pogues. (6/00)
Jay S. Jacobs
Copyright © 2000 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved. Revised:
April 24, 2022.
