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Eric A. Politzer | San Francisco | 02/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I picked this up at a recent Lunasa concert here in San Francisco before it was released. The lads performed about 5 cuts from the CD, all of which harkened back to the fluidity and bouyancy of Redwood, my favorite Lunasa CD. This CD sounds like the gents are having fun playing again, not striving and aching for something new and different as they did with Kinnety Sessions. Every piece in this collection stands alone while leading effortlessly into the next selection. The CD also contains a couple of the most touching and lyrical songs they have come up with in awhile. Great effort all the way around!!"

Never Disappointing

rjwalsh3131 | Syracuse, NY USA | 03/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first noticed, before even listening, that guitar player Donogh Hennessy is absent. As the rhythm of this band plays as big a role as anything else, I was a little worried. But upon listening, I realized that any fears I ever have about this band are unfounded. Their sixth U.S. release is every bit as amazing as the other five, and any fan of trad. Irish music should not be without any of them.



I'm not sure if Hennessy's absence has anything to do with it, but there is none of the high-flying flair of the brilliant OTHERWORLD (still their best record), but it doesn't matter at all. A bit more like the subdued KINNNITTY SESSIONS from 2004, there are still some foot-stomping gems along with the usual masterwork of flute, fiddle and pipes. These four men are like physicists working with Irish music at the molecular level, building it up and using it to paint the most lively scenes. Individual talent is unprcedented, but the way they play off each other and make changes is the trademark of this excellent group. "Absent Friends" is my early favorite, with "Road To Barga" sneaking up on it. I now realize that I will never be disappointed with Lunasa. Ever."

Sláinte!

Andrew D. Lossing | Coquille (nowhere-ville), OR, USA | 12/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lúnasa perhaps more than any other Irish band out there commands the ability to impress, over and over again. Their fluidity and complete mastery of their instruments and material are simply more than we expected were possible.



Sé is a strong piece of work, building off of some of the band's best styles. As usual the majority of the tracks are multiple sets, binding some traditional and some original work. Lúnasa has always done well with slower, less bouyant airs as well, and "Glentrasna" stands out here. While overall I must say I prefer their earlier work, Redwood, this album captures much of the same spirit. Suffice it to say that my last bit of paperwork in a non-heated trailer in the midst of a cold snap was rendered much warmer and more agreeable by the sound of this music! Well worth toasting with a pint of Guinness Draught!"