Hydra
Under The Arch, 2024
9/10
An effort of Celtic and traditional music from Nuala Kennedy and Eamon O’Leary’s fertile minds, the songs here welcome a variety of instruments and ideas to a very worldly listen.
“I Will Hang My Harp On A Willow Tree” starts with gorgeous flute and bouzouki complementing the cautious duet, and “The Dark-Eyed Gypsy” follows with plenty of harmonies and dreamy flute populating the lovely strings that utilize Liz Knowles on violin.
Moving into the middle, “The Bonny Green Tree” employs whistles, mandolin and bouzouki to the expressive male vocals that emit timeless folk qualities, while “The Dark-Eyed Sailor” is a love song with much emphasis on atmosphere that embraces low flute and O’Leary’s bright storytelling.
Close to the end, “The Night Visiting Song”, the album’s best, is a sublime duet that was popularized by Luke Kelly and is dripping in Irish influences, and “Liffeyside” exits with a romantic waltz which allows Kennedy’s very distinct voice to radiate much grace amid a sing-along chorus.
A uniquely textured duo affair, Kennedy and O’Leary let ambience enter these rich and adaptable songs that will always be relevant and enjoyable.
Travels well with: Crow And Gazelle- as above now so below; The Heart Collectors- The Space Between