"Who Fears To Speak" will make you rebel!
Irish Music Fan | 01/16/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Makem Brothers (Shane, Conor, and Rory Makem) are the Irish-American sons of legendary Irish singer Tommy Makem, but with this album, they have grown into great musicians in their own right. The 12 songs on the album commemorate the unsuccessful Irish rebellion of 1798. Each song deals with a different aspect of the rebellion, with a strong emphasis on the historical figures who died in the rebellion and have since been immortalized in song. The brothers play primarily guitar, banjo, and bass, but accent some songs with pennywhistles, squeezebox, bodhran (an Irish goatskin drum), bouzouki (like a mandolin but an octave lower), and even a touch of drums on "General Monroe." The vocal harmonies are good, but the booming baritone of youngest brother Rory Makem is a particular highlight, especially in the rousing "General Monroe," my personal favorite on the CD. The brief poetry interlude and lesser-known last verse of "The Rising of the Moon" make that a great track as well. My other two favorites are the classics "Kelly the Boy from Killane" and "Roddy McCorley." Just so you don't think this is a puff piece, I will say that in my opinion, the harmonies are occasionally somewhat thin, as Rory seems to be the only one of the three brothers who has inherited his father's powerful singing voice. If you would like something with better vocals, check out the CD "Like Others Did Before Us," by the Makem Brothers with their childhood friends the Spain Brothers. The two sets of brothers have joined together in a quintet, and they are spectacular. Also, the Makem Brothers' other album "Stand Together" includes both traditional songs and some wonderful original songs written by Conor Makem. However, "Who Fears To Speak" is an excellent album with a fascinating theme. If you like Irish rebel songs, if you are interested in subjects like the 1798 rebellion, and if you are looking for an excuse to paint your face blue and storm the nearest British embassy, then this album is for you!"
