Nine Apples Of Gold
Crow Valley, 2023
8/10
A singer-songwriter from Ireland and a strong voice in the fight for gender balance, Karan Casey brings us an empowering listen that recruits some all star musicians and vocalists for the folk and Celtic affair.
The title track starts the listen with Casey’s gorgeous and eloquent singing alongside Hannah Hiemstra’s careful drumming and gentle strings for the dreamy climate, and “Sister I Am Here For You” follows with Niamh Dunne’s soothing harmony vocals and Conor McCreanor’s well placed bass in the powerful anthem.
Halfway through, “By And By” welcomes Dunne’s skilled fiddle and Kate Ellis’s pretty cello playing to highlight Casey’s poetic singing, while “The Weeping Time” pairs rhythm with Americana that carries themes of defiance in its hypnotic delivery.
Further still, “When The Moon Gets Tangled” offers a straightforward folk song that carries Irish nods that focuses on community via Casey’s very literate presence and flowing voice, and “I Thank My Lucky” stars exits with Seán Óg Graham’s harmonium and bouzouki populating the richly textured and uplifting closer.
Casey’s dynamic and feministic approach is certainly appreciated here for its call for change, and the many voices and instruments present sure do make for a timeless and inviting folk listen.
Travels well with: Lucie Blue Tremblay- So Many Wows; Helen Townsend- Love Lies ‘N’ Leaving