Search - Capercaillie :: Delirium

Delicious Celtic-fusion

Samhot | Star Land | 05/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What an hugely excellent find for me. I just discovered this jewel (and the band for that matter) a little over a month ago, and this has become one of the biggest addictions in my music collection.



The band (on this album anyway) happens to make a humble amalgamation of Celtic, latin, folk and contemporary pop which is so addictive and irresistable due to it's high-melodic content, catchiness and the sweet, pure and virginal voice of lead singer Karen Matheson. The amalgamation is a nicely impressive and inexcessive blend, since it doesn't seem too extreme in either direction, but rather each form gently deflects off the other in quite a breezy and balanced way. To further enhance my point, it's quite impressive how ethereal, exotic and wispy the music is, but also how grounded, earthy and organic it is at the exact same time. The lyrics are sometimes sung in Gaelic, and others in English.



Overall, the musicianship is highly impressive, and there is literally not one bad track on this album. Also, out of all 48 minutes, there isn't a single one of them that doesn't feature an ear-pleasing melody. The album opens with "Rann Na Móna," which starts out with some breezy synthesizers, which are then fronted by Karen's wispy and soaring vocal. It then kicks into a tasty Celtic-pop fest, featuring one of the most addictive chorus' I've ever heard in music. "Waiting For The Wheel To Turn" is another addictive and melodic number. "Aodann Srath Bhain" is such a romantic beauty to listen to. A slow, mellow and airy song, it's one you can listen to over and over while you're looking out the window on a lonely, foggy morning - assuming your mood is close to that. Let Karen Matheson's voice soothe your soul.



Elsewhere, "You Will Rise Again" is a fine, melodic pop song which is great to sing along to, as it's inspirational as well, while "Kenny MacDonald's Jigs" is an addictive 'jig' with some kicking basslines and some nice accordion and fiddle. "Coisich, a Ruin" features some tasty and addictive Latin rhythms and percussion, fronted by some chantesque vocal harmonies, which give the track a spiritual aura. Excellent stuff. "Heart of The Highland" possibly plays out in a slow, peaceful 6/8 rhythm, while Karen Matheson sings nicely on the verses. The chorus' featuring those airy vocal harmonies, which mostly emulate major triads are so heavenly. One of the strongest tracks on the album. "Breisleach" is an all synthesizer and vocal track. Matheson shows off a bit of her vocal range on this track. Reminds me slightly of Enya. "Islay Ranter's Reels" is just simply a fun and addictive instrumental track, and "Servant To The Slave" is a beautiful contemporary pop song to close out the album. Once again, Karen's vocals on here are blissful.



This is excellent music of the highest order. Now, I have to look into getting more albums from this band. Please, don't pass this up if you like ethereal, organic, melodic and ear-pleasing music. It's quite criminal that this isn't too popular (here anyway.)"